Zesty Quinoa Veggie Salad
This vibrant Quinoa Veggie Salad is a nutritious and colorful dish that brings together the wholesome goodness of quinoa with the crisp freshness of colorful vegetables. Perfectly gluten-free, this salad serves as a delightful side or a hearty base for grilled salmon or chicken breast. The blend of fresh herbs, zesty citrus juice, and a hint of spice from the chili adds depth to each bite. Ideal for a nutritious lunch, dinner, or as a refreshing side at gatherings, this salad will surely impress. Ensure you use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
3/4 cup (uncooked, rinsed)
carrot
1/2 cup (grated)
red capsicum
1/2 cup (chopped)
parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
coriander
1/4 cup (chopped)
Spanish onion
1 (chopped)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (or other citrus juice)
tamari soy sauce
1 tablespoon (or regular soy sauce)
fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped finely)
fresh chili pepper
1 teaspoon (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. Drain well.
2
In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 1.5 to 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and all the water has been absorbed.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. After resting, fluff the quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrot, chopped red capsicum, chopped parsley, chopped coriander, and chopped Spanish onion.
6
Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine.
7
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, tamari or soy sauce, freshly chopped ginger, minced garlic, and finely chopped chili pepper.
8
Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture, tossing well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
9
Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. This salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Quinoa Veggie Salad?
It is a nutritious, colorful, and gluten-free dish that combines quinoa with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing.
How much quinoa do I need for this recipe?
You need 3/4 cup of uncooked, rinsed quinoa.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce.
How much water should I use to cook the quinoa?
Combine the quinoa with 1.5 to 2 cups of water.
Why should I rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Rinsing the quinoa thoroughly under cold water helps remove any bitterness.
How long does the quinoa take to simmer?
It takes approximately 12 to 15 minutes for the quinoa to become tender and absorb the water.
Do I need to let the quinoa rest after cooking?
Yes, let it stand covered for an additional 10 minutes after removing it from the heat.
How do I prepare the carrot for the salad?
The carrot should be grated to yield 1/2 cup.
What type of capsicum is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped red capsicum.
Which fresh herbs are included in the recipe?
The salad uses 1/4 cup of chopped parsley and 1/4 cup of chopped coriander.
What kind of onion is best for this salad?
The recipe specifies using one chopped Spanish onion.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or another citrus juice.
What are the dressing ingredients?
The dressing consists of lemon juice, tamari or soy sauce, fresh ginger, minced garlic, and finely chopped chili pepper.
How much ginger is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh ginger.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You should use 2 chopped garlic cloves.
Is the salad spicy?
It has a hint of spice from 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh chili pepper.
When should I add the quinoa to the vegetables?
Add the quinoa to the vegetable mixture once it has cooled completely.
How should I mix the dressing into the salad?
Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture, then toss well to ensure even distribution.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, it can be served immediately or refrigerated for a few hours to let the flavors meld.
What temperature should the salad be served at?
It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What can I serve with this quinoa salad?
It serves as a great side dish or a hearty base for grilled salmon or chicken breast.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What should I do to the quinoa after it rests?
Fluff the quinoa with a fork before allowing it to cool.
Can I use regular soy sauce?
Yes, you can use regular soy sauce if you do not require the dish to be gluten-free.
How much red capsicum is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped red capsicum.
What is the total amount of parsley?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped parsley.
What is the total amount of coriander?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped coriander.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe.
What is the primary grain used?
The primary grain used in this salad is quinoa.