QUINOA SALAD RECIPE
Quinoa Salad is a healthy and nutritious option for Indian weight loss as it provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that is rich in protein, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional additions:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Avocado, diced
- Chickpeas or black beans, cooked and drained
- Roasted vegetables (such as zucchini, eggplant, or sweet potato)
INSTRUCTIONS
Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, bell pepper, grated carrot, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad mixture and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Optional: Add any additional toppings or ingredients of your choice, such as cherry tomatoes, avocado, chickpeas or black beans, or roasted vegetables.
Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Serve the Quinoa Salad immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
TIPS
Variety of vegetables: Feel free to customize your Quinoa Salad with a variety of vegetables based on your preferences and seasonal availability. Include colorful vegetables to enhance the nutritional value and visual appeal of the salad.
Meal prep: Cook a batch of quinoa and chop the vegetables in advance to save time during meal preparation. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the salad when needed.
Portion control: While quinoa is a healthy grain, it is still important to watch your portion sizes. Stick to recommended serving sizes to manage your calorie intake.
Protein boost: If you prefer a higher protein content in your salad, you can add cooked chickpeas or black beans. They not only add protein but also provide additional fiber and texture.
Dressing alternatives: If you prefer a different dressing, you can experiment with other options like a tahini-lemon dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette. Just be mindful of the quantity to control the calorie intake.
Add herbs and spices: Enhance the flavor of your Quinoa Salad by adding herbs like mint, parsley, or basil, and spices like cumin or paprika.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories (depending on the portion size and ingredients used)
- Protein: 8-10 grams
- Fat: 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
- Fiber: 5-7 grams
