Kendra Smith
@kendrasmi
Refreshing Quinoa Vegetable Salad
This vibrant quinoa vegetable salad is a nutritious and delicious dish, perfect for a light lunch or as a side. Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, it's drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette that enhances the flavors of the ingredients. Ideal for meal prep or a summer gathering!
Details
- Cuisine:mediterranean
- Meal Type:lunch
- Diet:vegetarian
- Difficulty:medium
- Estimated Cost:N/A
- Ingredients:17
- Views:4
Recipe Information
- Prep time35 min.
- Cook time30 min.
- Total time65 min.
- Servings10
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon
- 1 tablespoon
- 1/4 cup
- 2 1/2 cups
- 3 teaspoons, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon, divided
- 2 cups
- 3/4 cup
- 3/4 cup
- 1/2 cup
- 1/2 cup
- 1/2 cup
- 1/4 cup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon
- 3 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons
Cooking Instructions
Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Refreshing Quinoa Vegetable Salad.
Step 1
To start your delicious quinoa salad, grab a saucepan and warm up some canola oil over medium heat.
Step 2
Once the oil is shimmering, toss in minced garlic and diced yellow onion.
Step 3
Sauté them together until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which should take about five minutes.
Step 4
Next, pour in some water, then sprinkle in two teaspoons of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper.
Step 5
Bring this flavorful mixture to a lively boil.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to add the quinoa.
Step 7
Stir it in, then lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pan.
Step 8
Let it simmer gently until the quinoa is tender, which will take around twenty minutes.
Step 9
After it’s cooked, drain any excess water using a mesh strainer and transfer the fluffy quinoa to a large mixing bowl.
Step 10
Cover it up and pop it in the fridge to chill for about forty-five minutes.
Step 11
Once your quinoa is nice and cool, it’s time to bring the salad to life! Add in diced tomatoes, carrots, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, thawed corn, and diced red onion.
Step 12
For a burst of freshness, sprinkle in some chopped cilantro and mint, along with the remaining teaspoon of salt and another quarter teaspoon of black pepper.
Step 13
To finish off this vibrant dish, drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the top, then gently mix everything together until it’s beautifully combined.
Step 14
Enjoy your refreshing quinoa salad, perfect for any occasion!.