Looking for a vibrant dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare? Dive into our delightful Curry Turkey Quinoa Salad! This refreshing salad combines the nutty goodness of quinoa with tender shredded turkey and a medley of colorful vegetables, all brought to life with aromatic curry spices. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a healthy twist on traditional flavors. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests—read on to discover how to whip up this scrumptious dish in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 lb cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it cool completely, spreading it on a large plate to expedite cooling and prevent clumping.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, shredded turkey, diced bell pepper, and diced cucumber.
- Sprinkle curry powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Drizzle olive oil and gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating and distribution of spices.
- Add raisins and fold them into the salad, providing a sweet contrast to the savory curry flavor.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together and serve chilled.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding extra salt, pepper, or curry powder to suit your preference.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to eliminate its natural bitter coating, ensuring a clean and nutty flavor in your salad.
- Cool the Quinoa: To prevent clumping, spread the cooked quinoa on a large plate to cool quickly. This step is essential for achieving a light and fluffy texture.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes or shredded carrots for added crunch and nutrition.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the mix!
- Let It Chill: For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or curry powder can elevate the dish to perfection!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
