Quinoa Salad with Mixed Vegetables

Quinoa salad is a popular dish that has gained prominence in recent years as people seek healthier and more nutritious meal options. This versatile grain can be combined with various vegetables to create a refreshing, light lunch or dinner that's both satisfying and easy to prepare.

One of the best things about quinoa salad is its versatility. You can customize it by adding different types of vegetables, herbs, and proteins to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. In this recipe, we'll focus on a simple yet flavorful quinoa salad with mixed vegetables that’s perfect for summer barbecues or casual get-togethers.

Let's take a look at the ingredients needed:

• 1 cup of cooked quinoa
• 2 cups of chopped mixed vegetables (you can choose from bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and radishes)
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• Zest and juice from half a lime
• A handful of mint leaves for garnish
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Preparation

Start by cooking your quinoa according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, allow it to cool completely in a bowl.

In another bowl, prepare your chopped vegetables. Make sure they're all cut into bite-sized pieces so that everything mixes well together later on. You can also add some protein like grilled chicken or tofu for added flavor and texture.

When the quinoa is fully cooled down, gently mix it with the prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl. At this point, you can start incorporating your dressing ingredients. Add half of the lime zest and juice along with the olive oil, salt, pepper, parsley/cilantro, and mint leaves if using. Gently toss everything together until well combined.

Once all components have been mixed thoroughly, taste-test it before deciding whether more salt or lime might be needed to balance out flavors. Serve immediately while fresh for optimal texture, but leftovers will keep nicely in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tips and Variations

For those looking to add extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken breast slices or cubed tofu during the last few minutes of cooking time. If you prefer something sweeter instead, try adding some dried cranberries or raisins along with your quinoa salad.

1. If using fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, remember to wash them thoroughly under cold running water before chopping to ensure they're clean and free from dirt.
2. Feel free to substitute any vegetable you don't have at home; bell peppers come in different colors which can make your dish look more visually appealing.

This quinoa salad with mixed vegetables not only provides a delightful taste experience but also offers numerous health benefits thanks largely to its high fiber content. The combination of whole grains and colorful produce ensures you get plenty of essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, K, as well as B-complex vitamins.

Health Benefits

Eating quinoa regularly contributes to a balanced diet due to its protein-rich nature (it's actually considered one of the few plant-based complete proteins). Mixed vegetables contribute further to overall health through their rich mineral content and antioxidants. Together, these ingredients promote good digestion, heart health, immune function, bone density maintenance among other things.

So there you have it – a simple yet nutritious quinoa salad packed with flavor and color. Try this recipe today and enjoy the benefits of eating well while having fun creating something delicious!