Here's a recipe for a nutritious and delicious salad:
Rainbow Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup bell peppers (assorted colors), diced
1 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/4 cup unsalted almonds, chopped
For the dressing:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step#1: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the quinoa. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step#2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, red onion, parsley, and mint leaves. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients.
Step#3: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step#4: Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss until all the ingredients are coated evenly.
Step#5: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped almonds over the salad for added flavor and texture.
Step#6: Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
This Rainbow Quinoa Salad is packed with nutrients, including protein from the quinoa, vitamins from the colorful vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil and almonds. It's a refreshing and satisfying meal on its own or as a side dish. Enjoy!