Gluten-Free Refreshing Quinoa Salad
Bright, zesty, and fully gluten-free, this Refreshing Quinoa Salad is the ultimate wholesome dish for any occasion. Packed with fluffy quinoa, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and vibrant bell peppers, it’s bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. Chopped parsley and mint add a Mediterranean-inspired herbal touch, while a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing ties it all together. This quick and easy recipe, with just 15 minutes of prep time, is perfect as a light, nourishing lunch or a refreshing side dish for summer gatherings. Naturally gluten-free, nutrient-rich, and deliciously versatile, this quinoa salad is sure to become a go-to favorite for healthy eating enthusiasts and salad lovers alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa
- 2 cups Water
- 1 medium English cucumber
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium Red bell pepper
- 0.25 cup Red onion
- 0.5 cup Parsley
- 0.25 cup Mint leaves
- 0.25 cup Lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove the natural coating of saponin, which can make quinoa taste bitter.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water.
Remove the quinoa from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
While the quinoa is cooling, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper. Halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion, parsley, and mint leaves.
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa with the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, parsley, and mint.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well-coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
181 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 11.3 g | 15% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 263 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.8 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.7 g | ||
| Protein | 4.0 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 79 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 397 mg | 8% | |
*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.
