Zesty Quinoa Garden Salad
This Zesty Quinoa Garden Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together the wholesome goodness of quinoa with a medley of colorful vegetables. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, this Peruvian salad is not only packed with protein but also rich in vitamins and minerals. The refreshing lemon dressing adds a tangy twist that complements the subtle nutty flavor of quinoa. Ideal for meal prep or gatherings, this salad is sure to impress family and friends alike.
8
Servings
150
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
water or broth
2 cups (liquid)
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed)
zucchini
1 cup (sliced or diced)
red bell pepper
1 cup (diced)
green onions
1/2 cup (sliced)
cooked ground meat
1 cup (optional, crumbled)
fresh English peas
1 cup (shelled)
carrots
1 cup (diced)
corn
1 cup (cooked or canned)
lemon juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold running water to remove its natural coating, which can make it taste bitter.
2
In the bowl of a vegetable steamer, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water or broth.
3
Cover and steam the quinoa for approximately 40 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
4
While the quinoa is steaming, prepare your choice of vegetables: sauté the zucchini, red bell pepper, green onions, and carrots in a little olive oil until tender. Optionally, add any leftover cooked ground meat for added protein.
5
Once the quinoa is done, remove it from the heat and let it stand for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed quinoa with the sautéed vegetables, fresh English peas, and corn.
7
Drizzle the salad with freshly squeezed lemon juice and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
8
Serve warm or chilled, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this nutritious salad!
Nutrition Information
26g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Quinoa Garden Salad?
It is a vibrant, nutritious Peruvian dish that combines quinoa with colorful vegetables and a tangy lemon dressing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the base recipe is vegan, provided you do not add the optional ground meat.
Is the Zesty Quinoa Garden Salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the primary ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 150 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving.
How long does it take to steam the quinoa?
The quinoa should be steamed for approximately 40 minutes until tender.
Why must I rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Rinsing removes the natural saponin coating which can give quinoa a bitter taste.
Can I use broth instead of water to cook the quinoa?
Yes, you can use either 2 cups of water or 2 cups of broth for added flavor.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes zucchini, red bell pepper, green onions, carrots, fresh English peas, and corn.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be sliced or diced and then sautéed in olive oil until tender.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can optionally add 1 cup of cooked crumbled ground meat for additional protein.
What dressing is used for this salad?
The salad is dressed with 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Can I serve this salad warm?
Yes, this salad is delicious when served warm.
Can I serve this salad chilled?
Yes, it can be served chilled, making it a refreshing option for warm weather.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the ingredients hold up well over time, making it ideal for meal preparation.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 26 grams of carbohydrates.
Are the English peas used fresh or frozen?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shelled fresh English peas.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be diced and sautéed with the other vegetables until tender.
Can I use canned corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either cooked fresh corn or canned corn.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as Peruvian cuisine.
How do I know when the quinoa is finished?
The quinoa is done when it is tender and has absorbed all the liquid in the steamer.
What is the first step in preparing the vegetables?
The first step is to sauté the zucchini, red bell pepper, green onions, and carrots in olive oil.
What makes the salad 'zesty'?
The 'zesty' flavor comes from the addition of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients listed for this salad.
What type of onion is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sliced green onions.
What is the serving size?
The specific serving size in weight/volume is not specified, but the recipe makes 8 servings.
Does this salad contain cholesterol?
The nutritional information provided indicates null/zero cholesterol for the base salad.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Should I fluff the quinoa?
Yes, after it stands for a few minutes post-steaming, you should fluff it with a fork before mixing.