Looking for a nutritious and satisfying dish that aligns with Whole30 principles? This quinoa salad is packed with fresh veggies, protein, and vibrant flavors that will make your taste buds dance. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a celebration of health and deliciousness.
This salad is a perfect addition to your meal prep or a delightful centerpiece for any gathering. With its colorful ingredients and zesty dressing, it’s sure to impress anyone at your table. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Vibrant Ingredients in Quinoa Salad
This quinoa salad bursts with color and flavor, showcasing an array of fresh vegetables.
The bright red bell peppers provide a sweet crunch, while the green cucumbers add a refreshing element.
Juicy cherry tomatoes bring a delightful burst of flavor, perfectly balanced with the nuttiness of fluffy quinoa.
Fresh parsley gives the dish a vibrant touch, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing.
The Fluffy Quinoa Base
At the heart of this salad is fluffy quinoa, known for its rich nutritional profile.
This protein-packed grain serves as the perfect foundation, allowing the colorful vegetables to shine.
Cooking quinoa is simple: it requires just water or vegetable broth to enhance the flavor.
The result is a light, airy texture that absorbs the zesty lemon vinaigrette beautifully.
Bright Lemon Vinaigrette
A light lemon vinaigrette elevates this salad to new heights.
Combining fresh lemon juice with olive oil creates a refreshing dressing that ties all the ingredients together.
Seasoned with salt and pepper, this vinaigrette highlights the natural flavors of the veggies, ensuring each bite is bursting with brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This colorful bowl of quinoa salad is perfect for any occasion.
Serve it as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks, and watch as it quickly disappears.
It can also stand alone as a light main course, making it ideal for lunch or dinner.
Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Meal Prep and Storage
This quinoa salad is a fantastic option for meal prep.
It stores well in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify over time.
Prepare a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for quick, nutritious lunches or snacks.
Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh!
Health Benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa is often hailed as a superfood for its numerous health benefits.
Rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, it supports a balanced diet.
Additionally, it is gluten-free, making it a suitable choice for those with dietary restrictions.
This quinoa salad not only satisfies the taste buds but also contributes to overall wellness.
Healthy and Delicious Whole30 Quinoa Salad
This quinoa salad combines fluffy quinoa with crunchy bell peppers, refreshing cucumber, and zesty red onion. Tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette, it’s bright, crispy, and has a nutty flavor from the quinoa.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g