Description

Quinoa vegetable salad is a hearty, protein-packed salad combining fluffy quinoa, roasted cherry tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, fresh parsley, and creamy avocado. Perfect for lunches, picnics, or as a healthy homemade meal. Easily paired with proteins like feta cheese, shredded chicken, or hard-boiled eggs.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

– 1 cup uncooked quinoa (approximately 3 cups cooked; substitute pre-cooked quinoa if needed)

– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, roasted

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

– ¼ cup diced red onion

– ¾ cup diced English cucumber

– Handful of fresh parsley, chopped

– 1 large avocado, sliced (add just before serving)

For the Dressing:

– 3 tbsp olive oil

– 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

– 1½ tsp white vinegar

– ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste; substitute salt-free seasoning blend for low-sodium diets)

– ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Add-Ins:

– Feta cheese, crumbled goat cheese, shredded chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs

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Instructions

Cook quinoa according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool completely.
Dice bell peppers, red onion, cucumbers, and parsley. Slice avocado just before serving.
In a small dish, combine olive oil, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Combine cooled quinoa, roasted tomatoes, chopped vegetables, and parsley in a large bowl. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Add avocado slices right before serving.

Notes

– Use high-quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice for maximum flavor. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.

– Store salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Quinoa vegetable salad does not freeze well due to its fresh ingredients. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad / Main Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Mediterranean / Healthy

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 265
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg