Vibrant Quinoa Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing
This refreshing and vibrant quinoa salad is the perfect blend of fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and creamy tahini dressing. The addition of fresh mint delivers a refreshing finish, while the tahini dressing enriches the salad with a nutty flavor. Ideal for a light lunch or as a gluten-free side dish, it's a colorful, wholesome option to enjoy any time of year. Refrigerate and enjoy within three days for the best flavor.
4-6 servings
Servings
200
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
salt
1/2 teaspoon, divided
lemon juice
2 tablespoons
olive oil
2 tablespoons
warm water
2 tablespoons
tahini
1/4 cup
garlic clove
1 (minced)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
aleppo pepper
1/4 teaspoon
grape tomatoes
2 cups (halved)
English cucumber
1 cup (diced)
parsley
2/3 cup (chopped)
fresh mint
1/3 cup (chopped)
green onions
3 (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
1. Prepare the quinoa according to package instructions, adding 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the water. After cooking, set aside to cool completely.
2
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, tahini, warm water, minced garlic, ground cumin, pepper, aleppo pepper, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt until smoothly combined.
3
3. Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the dressing along with the halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and sliced green onions.
4
4. Gently toss the ingredients until the quinoa and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
5
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
6
6. For additional depth, consider variations such as adding 1 cup of canned lentils along with the salad ingredients and increasing the lemon juice, olive oil, and water to taste.
Nutrition Information
27g
Carbs
4.2g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main base of this salad?
The main base of this salad is cooked quinoa.
Is the Vibrant Quinoa Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes between 4 and 6 servings.
What are the ingredients in the tahini dressing?
The dressing contains lemon juice, olive oil, tahini, warm water, minced garlic, ground cumin, pepper, aleppo pepper, and salt.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
What fresh herbs are used in this quinoa salad?
This recipe uses fresh parsley and fresh mint.
How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?
You can store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Does the quinoa need to be cooled before mixing?
Yes, for the best results, set the quinoa aside to cool completely after cooking.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of halved grape tomatoes.
How much protein is in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains 4.2 grams of protein.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
Yes, a suggested variation is to add 1 cup of canned lentils.
What type of cucumber should I use?
The recipe specifies using diced English cucumber.
How much tahini is required for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of tahini.
What is the fiber content per serving?
There are 4 grams of fiber per serving.
Is there any fat in this recipe?
While the specific fat gram count is not listed, the recipe includes olive oil and tahini as healthy fat sources.
What spices are used to season the dressing?
Ground cumin, pepper, and aleppo pepper are used for seasoning.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to rinse the quinoa?
Yes, the recipe recommends that the quinoa be rinsed and drained before cooking.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients used in this recipe.
How do I prepare the garlic for the dressing?
One garlic clove should be finely minced.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
Are there any specific storage instructions?
Store the salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can I adjust the dressing if I add lentils?
Yes, if adding lentils, increase the lemon juice, olive oil, and water to taste.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The 3 green onions should be thinly sliced.
What gives the salad its nutty flavor?
The creamy tahini dressing provides the nutty flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it is described as an ideal option for a light lunch or a side dish.
How much warm water is added to the dressing?
The dressing uses 2 tablespoons of warm water.
How much salt is used in total?
A total of 1/2 teaspoon of salt is used, divided between the quinoa and the dressing.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is described as creamy and smooth.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
It is typically served immediately at room temperature or refrigerated and served cold.