Gluten-Free Quinoa Salad
This light and flavorful quinoa salad is packed with colorful veggies, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s the perfect side dish for a summer barbecue or a quick lunch, and it’s so good, you might want to make a double batch! The combination of quinoa and fresh vegetables makes it a refreshing, gluten-free, protein-packed option for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until quinoa has absorbed all the water. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Add cooled quinoa to the vegetable mixture. Drizzle with the lemon dressing and toss to combine. Top with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill in the fridge for an hour to let the flavors meld together.
Enjoy this salad as a fresh, light option for a gluten-free diet!
Advantages of Gluten-Free Quinoa Salad:
This quinoa salad offers a host of nutritional benefits, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy, gluten-free meal. Here are some key advantages:
High in Protein: Quinoa is one of the few plant-based foods that contain all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. This is especially beneficial for those on vegetarian or vegan diets.
Rich in Fiber: Both quinoa and the vegetables in the salad provide a good amount of fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health. Fiber can also help maintain blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol.
Quinoa’s Gluten-Free: naturally gluten-free, making this salad ideal for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Packed with Nutrients: The salad is full of vitamins and minerals. For instance, red bell peppers are high in vitamin C, while parsley is rich in antioxidants. The olive oil in the dressing adds healthy fats, contributing to heart health.
Low in Calories: At just 220 calories per serving, this salad is a light yet filling meal that can help with weight management, while still providing essential nutrients.
Versatile and Easy to Customize: You can easily adapt this salad by adding other ingredients like avocado, grilled chicken, or nuts to increase its nutrient profile.