Perfectly Balanced Quinoa Salad

Looking for a refreshing and nutritious option for your next meal? Our Perfectly Balanced Quinoa Salad is just what you need! This vibrant dish combines the nutty texture of quinoa with fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and protein-packed ingredients. Whether it's for lunch or as part of a light dinner, this salad offers a balance of flavors and textures that will please your palate.

Perfectly balanced quinoa salad is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It's an excellent choice for those following a healthy diet plan without compromising on taste or variety. The preparation time for this dish is approximately 30 minutes, making it suitable even when you're short on time.

The recipe serves four people, offering ample portions to share with friends or family. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps required to make this refreshing meal at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the quinoa. Rinse the quinoa under cold water thoroughly. Place it in a pot with two cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fully cooked and tender. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another five minutes before fluffing it up.

Step 2: Prepare vegetables and avocado. While waiting for the quinoa to cook, start slicing your tomatoes, dicing the bell pepper and cucumber, chopping the red onion finely, and slicing the avocado. Set these aside while you move on to the next step.

Step 3: Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. This simple yet flavorful dressing will enhance the taste of your salad ingredients nicely once everything is mixed together.

Final Assembly:

1. Start by combining all the cooked quinoa with the prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the avocado slices and fresh cilantro over the top. It adds color as well as flavor.
3. Pour your dressing mixture evenly onto the salad, tossing gently until all components are well coated but not mushy.

Serve immediately! Your perfectly balanced quinoa salad is now ready to enjoy! You can serve it in a big bowl or individual plates depending on your preference. It’s particularly suitable for warm weather when you want something cool and refreshing. Enjoy your healthy meal!

Tips & Variations:

• If you like more protein, consider adding chickpeas or grilled chicken strips to the salad.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice according to personal preferences for a tangier or milder taste.
• This recipe can be doubled easily if you're preparing it for larger groups. Just make sure you scale up your ingredients accordingly and follow the same steps outlined above.

To maintain optimal freshness, leftovers should be stored in an airtight container inside the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for about three days. Leftovers can also be frozen if needed; simply divide them into portions beforehand to make future meals quicker and easier to prepare.

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p>By incorporating this perfectly balanced quinoa salad into your weekly menu, you ensure that every bite contains a variety of flavors and textures while providing essential nutrients necessary for good health. Whether enjoyed alone or as part of a larger meal plan, it stands out among other salads due to its unique combination of ingredients.