QUINOA SALAD | easy recipe with light lemon dressing
by: Caitlin MiahPosted on:

QUINOA SALAD | easy recipe with light lemon dressing

If you’re searching for a quick and healthy meal idea, look no further than this quinoa salad with a light lemon dressing. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and plenty of fresh veggies, this quinoa salad is not only tasty but also perfect for those who are health-conscious. Read on for the simple steps to make this colorful and delicious dish that is sure to impress.

Introduction

Quinoa salad is a light and fresh recipe that has become popular in recent years due to its health benefits and delicious taste. This gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly recipe contains quinoa, roasted asparagus, tangy feta cheese, and chickpeas, all tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy side dish or a light meal, this recipe is perfect for you. In this article, we will go over the step-by-step instructions on how to make this quinoa salad that can be enjoyed all year round.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of quinoa
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 lb of asparagus
  • 15 oz can of chickpeas
  • 4 oz of crumbled feta cheese
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs, garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425ºF.
  2. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and chop into 1-inch pieces.
  3. Place the asparagus on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well and roast for 8-12 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
  4. Rinse the quinoa in cold water and drain. In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
  5. Add the quinoa to the boiling water and stir. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
  6. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
  8. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted asparagus, and chickpeas. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss well.
  9. Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve chilled.

Tips and Tricks

  • To save time, you can make the quinoa and roast the asparagus ahead of time and have it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • If you don’t have asparagus, you can substitute it with any roasted vegetable such as zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
  • This recipe is high in plant-based protein because of the quinoa and chickpeas.
  • You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Favorite Kitchen Tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Fork

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 378
  • Fat: 21g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Sugar: 3g

The Don’t Diet Workshops

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Conclusion

Quinoa salad with a light lemon dressing is an easy, tasty, and healthy recipe that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal. With its freshness, versatility, and colorful combination of flavors, this recipe can easily become a staple in your home. Try it out and let us know what you think!

FAQs

  1. Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa for this recipe?
  • Yes, you can substitute quinoa with brown rice. Cook 1 cup of brown rice in 2 cups of water following the package instructions.
  1. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
  • Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking. Try adding roasted sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini.
  1. Can I use canned asparagus instead of fresh?
  • While canned asparagus can be used, we recommend using fresh asparagus for the best flavor and texture.
  1. Can I use a different salad dressing instead of lemon vinaigrette?
  • Yes, feel free to use any salad dressing you like or make your own.
  1. How long does it take to make this recipe?
  • It takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook this recipe.