Quinoa and Veggie Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Prep:20minCook:20min

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, nuts, or proteins. This salad is packed with nutrients from quinoa, vegetables, and chickpeas, and the lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing tangy flavor. Enjoy your nutritious and delicious meal!

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 03:27:03 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Great

Glycemic Index

Low

Glycemic Load

High

Nutrition per serving

Calories364 kcal (18%)

Total Fat18.2 g (26%)

Carbs42.3 g (16%)

Sugars4.9 g (5%)

Protein9.9 g (20%)

Sodium311.3 mg (16%)

Fiber7 g (25%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ingredients

4 servings

For the salad:

1 cupquinoa

rinsed

2 cupswater

or vegetable broth

1 cupcherry tomatoes

0.25red onion

1 cupcanned chickpeas

drained, rinsed

¼ cupfeta cheese

crumbled, optional

¼ cupfresh parsley

For the lemon vinaigrette:

¼ cupextra-virgin olive oil

1juice of lemon

1 teaspoondijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1

Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool.

Step 2

Prepare Veggies: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Cut the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion according to the specified measurements. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.

Step 3

Make Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 4

Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced vegetables, chickpeas, and chopped parsley. If using, add the crumbled feta cheese.

Step 5

Dress the Salad: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together until the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

Step 6

Season and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7

Chill and Enjoy: Refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the chilled salad as a light and healthy meal on its own or as a side dish.