A Simple and Delicious Healthy Lunch Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Introduction to Quinoa Salad

Are you looking for a nutritious yet delightful lunch option to enjoy at home? Look no further than a hearty quinoa salad. Packed with protein, fiber, and various vitamins, this dish is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, making it perfect for any lunch break.

Ingredients for a Healthy Quinoa Salad

To create your flavorful quinoa salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Nutritional Breakdown and Preparation

To start, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa and water (or broth) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until quinoa is fluffy. Once cooked, let it cool.

In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and parsley. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Pour over the salad and toss well.

This healthy quinoa salad yields approximately 500 calories per serving, making it a filling and guilt-free option. Enjoy your nutritious lunch that not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body!