Today, I want to share a fantastic recipe for a nutritious and satisfying Quinoa Salad with a zesty Lemon-Herb Dressing. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also provides a good balance of nutrients. Let's dive into the details:
Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing
Ingredients:
-1 cup quinoa, rinsed
-2 cups water
-1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
-1 cucumber, diced
-1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
-1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
-1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
-1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
-Juice of 2 lemons
-Zest of 1 lemon
-1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
-1 clove garlic, minced
-1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
-Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Quinoa: In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Serve: Divide the salad into individual bowls or plates. You can enjoy it immediately or chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
-Calories: Approximately 350 calories
-Protein: 11g
-Carbohydrates: 48g
-Fat: 14g
-Fiber: 8g
This Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing is not only delicious but also a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It makes a perfect meal for lunch or a light dinner. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it! Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Happy cooking!