Wholesome Quinoa Salad: A Bowl of Health

Are you ready to dive into the world of nutrient-packed goodness? This Wholesome Quinoa Salad is not just a feast for your taste buds but also a powerhouse of health benefits! With vibrant colors, crunchy textures, and a zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a light snack. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (canned is fine, just rinse them!)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Quinoa: Start by rinsing your quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
2. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Chop the Veggies: While the quinoa cools, chop up your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Toss them all into a large mixing bowl. It’s like a colorful party in there!
4. Add Chickpeas: Stir in the cooked chickpeas to the veggie mix. They add a lovely creaminess and a protein punch!
5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Combine: Once the quinoa has cooled, fluff it with a fork and add it to the veggie and chickpea mixture. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well mixed. Feel free to add the crumbled feta cheese at this point if you’re using it!
7. Serve: Enjoy your wholesome quinoa salad immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for a bit to enhance the flavors. Either way, it’s utterly delicious!

Why It’s Healthy:

This salad is packed with protein from quinoa and chickpeas, fiber from the veggies, and healthy fats from olive oil. Plus, it’s gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese. It’s a meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also nourishes your body!

Tips:

• Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or add fruits like avocado or mango for a sweeter twist.
• Make it a meal by adding grilled chicken or shrimp!
• This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts:

There you have it! A delightful and nutritious Wholesome Quinoa Salad that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. So grab your ingredients, put on your favorite tunes, and get ready to whip up a bowl of health!