Quinoa Salad

Fresh and zesty Quinoa Salad with veggies, protein-packed quinoa, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for meal prep and gluten-free meals!

Recipe Source Link:https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/quinoa-salad/

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RECIPE INGREDIENTS

» To Cook the Quinoa

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water

» For the Salad

• 2 cups Roma or cherry tomatoes, quartered
• ½ cucumber, chopped
• ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup red onion, chopped
• A handful of parsley, chopped
• Black or Kalamata olives, sliced
• Crumbled vegan feta cheese (optional, for topping)

» For the Salad Dressing

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 tablespoons maple syrup (or to taste)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
• Sliced almonds for topping (optional)

RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

» Cook the Quinoa

1. Rinse the quinoa under running water until the water runs clear. For an even fluffier texture, soak it for 30 minutes before cooking. Transfer it to a saucepan, add 2 cups of water.
2. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until fluffy and tender. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

» Prep the Vegetables

1. Chop the cucumber, bell peppers, parsley, and red onion. Quarter the Roma or cherry tomatoes and set them aside.

» Make the Salad Dressing

1. In a jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Shake well until fully mixed.

» Assemble the Quinoa Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa, followed by the sliced olives, quartered tomatoes, chopped cucumber, bell peppers, parsley, and red onion. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss well to combine. If using feta cheese, crumble it on top. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh and flavorful quinoa salad as a light meal or a side dish!

RECIPE NOTES

1. Feel free to adjust the vinegar and maple syrup in the salad dressing to your taste.
2. I have added pink himalayan salt, but you can use any other salt of your choice.
3. To make it greener, you can also add lettuce, kale or any other greens of your choice.