Looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? The Bondi Harvest Quinoa Salad is your answer! Bursting with fresh vegetables and wholesome quinoa, this Australian-inspired salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even a picnic treat. With a zesty dressing that ties all the flavors together, it’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of taste and health! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this colorful and refreshing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Australian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool completely.
- While quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and cut the avocado into small cubes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the prepared vegetables and chopped parsley to the cooled quinoa.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables, gently tossing to ensure even coating and distribution.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold or at room temperature as a refreshing and nutritious side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step is crucial to remove any bitterness and enhance the nutty flavor of the grain.
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooked quinoa can turn mushy. Aim for fluffy grains that hold their shape.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for 10-15 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delightful.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables or add extras like corn or black beans for added texture and flavor.
- Make It a Meal: To turn this salad into a heartier dish, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese for an extra protein boost.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs like mint or cilantro for a unique twist.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the salad crisp, dress it just before serving, especially if you plan to store leftovers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
