Sunset Quinoa Salad is your go-to dish for a burst of fresh flavors and vibrant colors. It’s perfect for any season, giving you a healthy, satisfying meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Quinoa is the base of our salad, adding a nutty flavor and fluffy texture. It's a complete protein, making it a hearty, healthy choice. Olive oil forms the foundation of our dressing, providing richness and depth. Lemon juice and red wine vinegar introduce bright acidity, balancing out the flavors. Sea salt and black pepper enhance all the ingredients. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, while cucumber offers a refreshing crunch. Red onion gives a slight bite and sharpness, and kalamata olives bring a savory, briny element. Feta cheese provides creaminess and tanginess, and fresh parsley finishes it off with a pop of color and fresh, herby notes.
This salad is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing. It's also an excellent side for a summer barbecue.
Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. This step is crucial to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter if not washed away. Once rinsed, combine it with two cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water has been fully absorbed. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand for 5 minutes. Fluff the cooked quinoa gently with a fork and set it aside to cool.
While the quinoa is cooling, grab a large bowl to prepare the dressing. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper. Ensure everything is well combined to create a smooth, emulsified dressing. Next, toss in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. Gently mix these ingredients so they are coated in the dressing.
Once the quinoa has cooled down, add it to the bowl with the dressed vegetables. Stir everything together until the quinoa is evenly distributed and all the flavors are well mingled. Finish by sprinkling the fresh parsley on top before serving.
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