Perfectly Balanced Vegan Quinoa Salad Recipe

Vegan quinoa salad is a popular choice among health-conscious individuals who prefer plant-based meals. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a side or as the main course. The keyword for this article will be "vegan quinoa salad."

Ingredients

• 1 cup of quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
• 2 cups of vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 cucumber, diced into small pieces
• 1 medium tomato, diced finely
• ½ red onion, chopped finely
• 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
• ¼ cup of fresh parsley or cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

To prepare the quinoa: Start by cooking the quinoa. Combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth (or water) in a medium-sized saucepan over high heat. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and the quinoa has swollen slightly.

Preparing the salad: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the rest of your ingredients by cutting up the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado into bite-sized pieces. Once the quinoa has been cooked, let it cool down to room temperature before adding all vegetables along with parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

For best results, mix these components together gently so as not to crush any of the fresh ingredients. You may also consider refrigerating this mixture for at least an hour prior to serving; this allows flavors to meld while maintaining crispness in the vegetables.

Cooking Time & Servings

The total preparation time for this dish is approximately 45 minutes, including cooling time after cooking. This recipe yields four generous servings per person.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
• Fat Content: About 7g
• Carbohydrates: Around 25g
• Fiber: Approximately 6g
• Protein: Roughly 6g

Why Choose Vegan Quinoa Salad?

Vegan quinoa salad is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. It provides a rich source of dietary fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like magnesium and iron found within the quinoa itself. Additionally, adding fruits such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocados contributes vital antioxidants and healthy fats which are beneficial for overall heart health.

The combination of different textures and flavors makes this dish incredibly satisfying yet easy to prepare. It’s perfect whether you're looking for something light during summer months or seeking a hearty meal option on cooler days.

Customization Options

If you wish to add more variety to your vegan quinoa salad, consider incorporating other ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, olives, or even some feta cheese if non-vegan alternatives are available. Dressings can vary depending upon personal preference - you could try lime juice instead of lemon for a slightly different taste experience.

Another fun idea would be to mix in some cooked chickpeas or black beans for extra protein and fiber content, transforming this simple salad into a complete meal.

Conclusion

Incorporating vegan quinoa salads into your weekly menu is an excellent way to ensure balanced nutrition without sacrificing taste. Its adaptability allows you to customize according to individual dietary preferences and needs. Whether enjoyed at lunchtime or as part of dinner, this dish serves up delightful flavors along with numerous health benefits.

Try this simple yet flavorful recipe today and enjoy the benefits of wholesome ingredients in every bite!