Quinoa Salad Recipe

Quinoa salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course for lunch or dinner. This nutritious grain provides essential proteins, iron, magnesium, fiber, and other vital nutrients. Quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and feta cheese creates a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Steps to Prepare Quinoa Salad

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any bitterness from the grain.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water over high heat. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pan. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa has swollen slightly.

3. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 more minutes before fluffing with a fork to separate the grains. Allow it cool completely before proceeding.

4. In a large bowl, add the cooled quinoa along with diced cucumber, tomato, chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.

5. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine well.

Nutritional Benefits of Quinoa Salad

The combination of quinoa, which is high in protein and fiber, with the refreshing flavors of cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta cheese makes this dish not only delicious but also beneficial for your health. Here are some key nutritional highlights:

• High-Protein Content: Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own.
• Fiber-Rich: A single serving of this salad provides a substantial portion of your daily fiber requirements, which is crucial for digestive health and weight management.
• Vitamin C Content: The tomatoes in the dish are rich sources of vitamin C, an important antioxidant that supports immune function.
• Liquid Retention: Both quinoa and cucumber help to hydrate your body. This is especially useful on hot days or when you're physically active.

Adaptations for Different Preferences

This simple yet tasty dish can be easily adapted according to individual preferences by adding other ingredients like bell peppers, olives, avocado, or even grilled chicken if desired. Here's a quick list of how you could modify the recipe:

• Adding Protein:** Incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra boost of protein.
• Vegan Option:** Replace feta cheese with vegan alternatives like chickpea flour crumbles mixed in olive oil and herbs.
• Vegetarian Flavor Boost:** Include sun-dried tomatoes, which are rich in flavor but still plant-based.
• Cooler Weather Tweak:** Serve the salad over a bed of greens as a refreshing main course.