Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Lime

Looking for a refreshing and nutritious salad that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner? This Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Lime is a fantastic choice. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this dish is not only healthy but also incredibly flavorful.

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely sliced
• Lime juice from 3 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

To start, rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with two cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer the quinoa for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa has fluffed up.

Once cooked, spread the warm quinoa onto a plate and let it cool slightly before transferring it into a large mixing bowl. Add the diced avocado to the bowl along with half of the chopped cilantro. Squeeze three limes over the top of the salad for that vibrant citrus flavor. Drizzle some olive oil over the salad as well, and season generously with salt and pepper.

For added freshness, add in the sliced red onion right before serving to keep it from becoming too mushy while retaining its crisp texture. The balance between the sweet and savory elements creates a perfect harmony of flavors that make this dish truly delicious!

Cooking time: Approximately 20 minutes including preparation and assembly.

Servings: This recipe yields approximately four generous servings, making it ideal for sharing with friends or family during lunch breaks at work or when hosting guests for dinner parties.

Health Benefits of Quinoa Salad

Incorporating quinoa into your diet offers numerous health benefits. As a complete protein source, quinoa provides all nine essential amino acids that our body cannot produce on its own but needs for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, it is rich in dietary fiber which aids digestion while promoting feelings of fullness.

The avocado adds healthy fats that support brain function and help maintain cholesterol levels within normal ranges when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Meanwhile, the citrusy lime juice contributes to improved absorption of iron from plant-based foods like spinach and legumes due to its high vitamin C content. Furthermore, it promotes heart health by reducing bad cholesterol while also supporting cognitive abilities through increased blood flow to the brain.

Variations

This versatile salad can be customized according to personal preferences or dietary restrictions. For instance, you could substitute quinoa with another grain like brown rice for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. Another variation might involve swapping out the red onion for thinly sliced fennel bulb; this gives off a licorice-like taste that complements other components of the dish.

For an extra boost of nutritional value, consider adding roasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts at the end of cooking but not during heating to prevent them from becoming soggy. You may also wish to experiment with different herbs beyond cilantro; mint could add a refreshing twist while parsley brings a fresh grassy note.

Incorporating this Quinoa Salad into your weekly meal rotation is an excellent way to enjoy delicious, healthy food that satisfies both taste buds and nutritional requirements. Try experimenting with various garnishes or components to discover what best suits your palette!