Description
Quinoa salad celebrates Mediterranean flavors with fresh ingredients from Greece and Italy. Crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and herb-infused dressing create a light, nutritious meal you’ll crave all summer long.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 5 green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 limes (juiced)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Quinoa Preparation: Simmer quinoa in water over medium-low heat until grains become tender and liquid absorbs completely, approximately 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk cumin, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, extra virgin olive oil, and lime juice in a small bowl until ingredients blend smoothly and create a harmonious vinaigrette.
- Salad Assembly: Combine cooled quinoa with diced tomatoes, black beans, and green onions in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle prepared dressing over the mixture and gently fold to ensure even distribution of flavors and ingredients.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley across the salad, then season with additional ground black pepper and salt to elevate the overall taste profile. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to intensify and meld together.
Notes
- Boost Quinoa Texture: Rest quinoa after cooking to prevent mushiness and achieve perfect, fluffy grains.
- Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let salad chill for 30 minutes to allow dressing and ingredients to blend harmoniously.
- Freshness is Key: Consume within 24 hours to maintain crisp vegetables and vibrant taste.
- Customize with Confidence: Swap ingredients like beans or herbs to match personal preferences without compromising the salad’s core structure.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg