Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your dining experience with our Tangy Turmeric Quinoa Salad - a vibrant, nutritious dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and boost your health in just 30 minutes! This golden-hued wonder combines the superfood power of quinoa with zesty vegetables and a punchy dressing that will make your palate dance with excitement.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa's outer coating, known as saponin.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups of water, and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. The turmeric will not only add flavor but also a beautiful golden color to the quinoa.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and is fluffy.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion. This will be the base of your salad.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then, fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool slightly.
- Add the fluffed quinoa to the bowl with the diced vegetables. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a dressing. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is well-coated with the dressing.
- Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This dish can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile for any occasion.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy your Tangy Turmeric Quinoa Salad!
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can cause a bitter taste.
- Use fresh turmeric powder for the most vibrant color and robust flavor.
- For extra crunch, consider toasting the quinoa briefly in a dry pan before cooking.
- Choose bell peppers in different colors to make the salad more visually appealing.
- Let the salad rest for 10 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- This salad can be prepared in advance and tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours.
- Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
