Zesty Vegan Quinoa Power Salad
This vibrant and delicious Zesty Vegan Quinoa Power Salad is packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavors. Cooking with vegetable broth not only adds depth but also makes quinoa particularly succulent. Rich in protein and fiber, this salad combines crunchy vegetables like cucumber and bell pepper with slightly steamed broccoli for added texture. The zesty dressing, made with fresh lemon juice and garlic, brings the whole dish together, enhancing the freshness of the ingredients. Perfect for meal prep or a light lunch, this salad can be easily customized with other favorite vegetables such as zucchini, corn, or leafy greens like kale or spinach. Experience a delightful, nutritious dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable broth
4 cups (used for cooking quinoa)
Raw whole grain quinoa
1 1/2 cups (rinsed and drained)
Cucumber
1 (sliced)
Red or yellow bell pepper
1 (diced)
Lightly steamed broccoli florets
1/2 cup
Tomatoes
2 (chopped)
Olive oil
1/4 cup
Lemon juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Sea salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness, then drain.
2
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed the liquid and is fluffy.
3
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
4
Once the quinoa is done, remove it from heat and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the sliced cucumber, diced bell pepper, lightly steamed broccoli, and chopped tomatoes.
6
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt and pepper.
8
Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is the Zesty Vegan Quinoa Power Salad.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this is a 100% vegan and vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Is the Zesty Vegan Quinoa Power Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is gluten-free as it uses quinoa instead of grain-based pastas.
What are the nutritional benefits of this salad?
This salad is rich in protein and fiber, packed with wholesome vegetables.
How much quinoa is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of raw whole grain quinoa.
What liquid is used to cook the quinoa?
The quinoa is cooked in 4 cups of vegetable broth to add depth and succulence.
How do I prepare the quinoa before cooking?
Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness and then drain it.
How long does the quinoa need to simmer?
The quinoa should simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and it is fluffy.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and pepper.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
You will need 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How many garlic cloves are included in the recipe?
The dressing requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Which vegetables are used in this salad?
The main vegetables are cucumber, red or yellow bell pepper, broccoli, and tomatoes.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be sliced.
How should the bell pepper be prepared?
The bell pepper should be diced.
Do I need to cook the broccoli?
Yes, the broccoli florets should be lightly steamed before being added to the salad.
How many tomatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped tomatoes.
How long should the quinoa cool after cooking?
Allow the quinoa to cool for approximately 5 minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep as it holds up well in the refrigerator.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It should chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, you can customize it with zucchini, corn, or leafy greens like kale or spinach.
What type of bell pepper is recommended?
You can use either a red or yellow bell pepper.
What type of salt is used?
The recipe suggests using sea salt.
How many main ingredients are there in total?
There are 10 main ingredients listed for this recipe.
What is the first instruction step?
The first step is to rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain it.
How is the dressing combined with the salad?
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
What should I do if the seasoning isn't perfect?
You should taste the salad and adjust by adding more salt and pepper as necessary.
How is the dressing prepared?
Prepare the dressing by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
What is the texture of the quinoa when cooked properly?
The quinoa should be fluffy and have absorbed all the liquid.
Why is vegetable broth used instead of water?
Vegetable broth adds extra depth of flavor and makes the quinoa more succulent.