Shaytards Quinoa Salad
Packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, Shaytards Quinoa Salad is a wholesome, refreshing dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. This nutrient-rich recipe features perfectly cooked quinoa as a hearty base, tossed with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet red bell peppers, and tangy red onion, all brightened by fresh parsley and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Optional feta cheese adds a creamy, savory touch for extra indulgence. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy quinoa salad is perfect for meal prep, picnics, or as a healthy side dish for any occasion. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy a burst of fresh, clean flavors in every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 large cucumber
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 0.5 medium red onion
- 0.5 cup fresh parsley
- 1 large lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool completely to room temperature.
While the quinoa cools, dice the cucumber, chop the cherry tomatoes in half, and cube the red bell pepper. Finely dice the red onion and chop the fresh parsley.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
Zest the lemon and juice it into a small bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl, then whisk the dressing until emulsified.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
If desired, fold in the crumbled feta cheese for added creaminess and flavor.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1406 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.0 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.3 g | 122% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 107 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 3765 mg | 164% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 131.1 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.6 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.8 g | ||
| Protein | 47.0 g | 94% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 794 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 9.4 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 1496 mg | 32% | |
*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.
