Gluten Free Quinoa Salad
Light, refreshing, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Gluten-Free Quinoa Salad is a wholesome option perfect for any meal. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy red bell pepper, and fragrant fresh herbs like parsley and mint, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. Dressed in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, each bite is a tangy, savory delight. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy quinoa salad is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick, healthy lunch. Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and customizable, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to satisfy.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 small red onion
- 0.5 cup fresh parsley
- 0.25 cup fresh mint
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove its natural bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed.
Remove the quinoa from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.
While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the parsley and mint.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your gluten-free quinoa salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1132 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.6 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2427 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 130.7 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.6 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.6 g | ||
| Protein | 31.0 g | 62% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 209 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 9.2 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 1712 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
