Introduction:
Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy days? Our Organic Quinoa Salad recipe is your answer! Packed with protein-rich quinoa, vibrant mixed vegetables, and flavorful chickpeas, this salad is not only a breeze to whip up in under 30 minutes but also serves as a nutritious option for lunch or dinner. Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that you can easily take to work or enjoy on the go. With its organic ingredients and customizable toppings, this salad is a wholesome choice that will leave you feeling energized and nourished. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Servings: 1-2
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, carrots)
- 1/4 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, feta cheese, pumpkin seeds
Instructions:
- Prepare Quinoa:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve.
- In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
- Add the rinsed quinoa to the boiling water.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- While the quinoa is cooking, chop your choice of mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- You can use cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, or any other vegetables you prefer.
- Make Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, mixed vegetables, and canned chickpeas.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Optional Toppings:
- Add avocado slices, crumbled feta cheese, or pumpkin seeds on top for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serve or Store:
- Serve immediately for a warm meal, or let it cool down and refrigerate in an airtight container for a cold salad.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or taking to work.
Tips & Conclusion:
- You can customize this salad by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the dressing.
- To save even more time, you can use pre-cooked quinoa or a quinoa blend that cooks faster.
- Feel free to mix and match the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- This recipe is easily scalable if you need to make more servings. Just adjust the quantities accordingly.