Looking for a vibrant, nutritious dish that will impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen? Dive into the world of flavors with our Green Goddess Quinoa Salad! This refreshing American-inspired recipe combines protein-packed quinoa with creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumber, all tossed in a zesty dressing that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for meal prep or as a stunning side dish for any gathering, this salad is not only quick to make but also a feast for the eyes. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice 1 avocado, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and dice 1 cucumber. Place all the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- After the quinoa has rested, fluff it with a fork and let it cool for a few minutes before adding it to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of sliced green onions to the mixing bowl with the quinoa and vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve the Green Goddess Quinoa Salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter.
- Cook with Precision: For perfectly fluffy quinoa, keep an eye on the cooking time. Once the water is absorbed, let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to sit for about 10 minutes after tossing helps the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables you love or have on hand, such as bell peppers or radishes, for added color and crunch.
- Dress to Impress: Adjust the dressing to your taste; add more lemon juice for brightness or a dash of garlic powder for an extra kick.
- Meal Prep Magic: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
