Quinoa Salad

Are you craving a dish that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful? Look no further than this exquisite Quinoa Salad, a delightful medley of fresh ingredients tossed together to create a symphony of taste and texture. Packed with wholesome goodness and bursting with vibrant colors, this salad is not just a feast for the senses but also a nourishing treat for your body.

Embrace Wholesome Ingredients

At the heart of this recipe lies the versatile quinoa, a superfood renowned for its high protein content and rich array of nutrients. Complementing this ancient grain are an assortment of fresh herbs and vegetables – mint, parsley, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red capsicum, and spinach leaves – each contributing its unique flavor profile and nutritional benefits. The addition of bocconcini cheese lends a creamy richness to the salad, while pistachio nuts provide a satisfying crunch.

Elevate with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

What truly elevates this Quinoa Salad to culinary greatness is the tangy and aromatic Lemon Vinaigrette. Made with extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, zest, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic, this dressing adds a burst of citrusy brightness that enhances the flavors of the ingredients. A pinch of salt and pepper brings balance to the dressing, ensuring that every mouthful is a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and refreshing notes.

Method: A Symphony of Preparation

To prepare this salad, start by combining the cooked quinoa with the chopped herbs, vegetables, cheese, and nuts in a large mixing bowl. Then, whisk together the ingredients for the Lemon Vinaigrette until emulsified, and drizzle it over the salad. Gently toss everything together until well coated, ensuring that every ingredient is infused with the vibrant flavors of the dressing.

Serving Suggestions and Culinary Adventures

Once assembled, your Quinoa Salad is ready to be savored and enjoyed. Serve it as a light and refreshing meal on its own, or pair it with grilled meats or fish for a more substantial dining experience. The versatility of this salad makes it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weekday lunches, offering a nourishing option that’s as convenient as it is delicious.

A Celebration of Freshness

In conclusion, this Quinoa Salad is more than just a dish – it’s a celebration of freshness, flavor, and wholesome goodness. With its vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and irresistible taste, it’s sure to revitalize your palate and leave you craving for more. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, whip up a batch of this delightful salad, and embark on a culinary journey that’s as nutritious as it is delightful. Your taste buds will thank you!

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this Quinoa Salad is guaranteed to impress with its simplicity, versatility, and undeniable deliciousness. So go ahead, indulge in a bowl of culinary bliss and let the flavors of this vibrant salad transport you to gastronomic paradise!

Quinoa Salad

Recipe by wildfoodjourneyCourse: Salads

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup pistachio nuts, roughly chopped

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cucumber, diced

• 1/2 red capsicum, diced

• 1/4 red onion, diced

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped

• 1/2 cup bocconcini cheese, halved or sliced or baby bocconcini whole

• FOR THE LEMON VINAIGRETTE

• 1/4 cup light olive oil

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• salt and pepper to tast

Directions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped mint, parsley, pistachio nuts, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red capsicum, red onion, spinach leaves, and bocconcini cheese.
• In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the ingredients for the Lemon Vinaigrette: olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Pour the Lemon Vinaigrette over the quinoa salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more lemon juice or salt according to your preference.
• Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. This salad can be enjoyed as a light meal on its own or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or fish.