Meet your new favorite dish: the Colorful Quinoa Salad. Perfect for any season, it's a vibrant mix of fresh veggies and hearty grains that will brighten up your table and satisfy your taste buds. Simple, healthy, and packed with flavor!
Quinoa: This protein-packed grain forms the base of the salad, providing a nutty flavor and fluffy texture. Cherry tomatoes: Add a sweet, juicy burst with every bite. Cucumber: Provides a refreshing crunch and complements the other veggies well. Red bell pepper and yellow bell pepper: These two bring a sweet, mild flavor and a pop of color. Red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy bite; just a little goes a long way. Fresh parsley and cilantro: These herbs infuse the salad with fresh, aromatic notes. Olive oil, lemon juice, and honey: This simple dressing ties everything together with a balance of richness, acidity, and sweetness. Finally, a touch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors.
This salad is delightful on its own, but you can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. It's also an excellent companion for a summer barbecue or a festive gathering.
First things first, give your quinoa a good rinse under cold water. This step is crucial to wash away any bitterness from the outer coating. Next, boil 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Once it's bubbling away, pour in the quinoa, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool.
While the quinoa is cooling, grab a large bowl and combine your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, parsley, and cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to create your dressing.
Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the large bowl of veggies. Pour over the dressing and toss everything together until it's all well coated. You can serve it up right away or pop it in the fridge to enjoy later.
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