Get ready to transform your meal prep with the most addictive salad that'll disappear faster than you can say "delicious"! This Mediterranean-inspired quinoa salad is not just a side dish—it's a flavor-packed experience that will make your taste buds dance and your guests beg for the recipe. Packed with vibrant vegetables, zesty lemon, and protein-rich quinoa, this salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Quinoa
- Cucumber
- Bell peppers
- Red onion
- Parsley
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Dice 1 medium cucumber, 1-2 bell peppers (any color), and 1 small red onion into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Chop a handful of fresh parsley (about 1/4 cup) and add it to the bowl with the quinoa and diced vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing by combining the juice of 1 lemon, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture, and toss everything together until well combined.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary, and give the salad another gentle toss.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your refreshing Mediterranean salad!
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating (saponin) which can taste bitter.
- Let quinoa cool completely before mixing with vegetables to prevent wilting and maintain crisp textures.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- For extra crunch, consider toasting the quinoa lightly before cooking.
- This salad tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Feel free to customize with additional herbs like mint or add feta cheese for extra richness.
- Use a mix of colorful bell peppers to make the salad visually appealing and nutritionally diverse.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
