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Welcome! Today, I’m sharing a quick quinoa salad recipe. If you’ve been following the blog or my Instagram, you know I’m a big fan of meal prepping for the week. This quinoa salad takes about 30-45 minutes to make and is super easy to grab and go during the week. Serve it cold with a portion of protein like fish or throw it on some organic spinach greens.
Quinoa is high in fiber and a complete protein. Proteins are made of amino acids, nine of which are essential, because the body does not make them on its own. Complete proteins contain all 9 essential amino acids. This makes quinoa a great source of protein for vegans, vegetarians, and plant-based dieters.
Also, parsley is high in vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Vitamin K is an important part of heart, bone, and brain health. The Italian in me puts parsley on just about anything!
Please, do not fear fat! Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy fat source because it contains antioxidants. When chemical reactions happen in the body, all day long every day, radicals are produced. Antioxidants assist the body in recovering the damage created by free radicals. Furthermore, we need fat in our bodies to burn fat! Fat also slows digestion and will keep you satiated for a long time.
I hope you enjoy this cold quinoa salad recipe packed with so many health benefits! You may also like this spirulina superfood smoothie bowl!
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 cucumber
- 1 red pepper
- 1/2 red or white onion
- 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans drained & rinsed
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley OR dried parsley to taste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 lemons – juiced
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Cook quinoa in water according to package directions
- Chop all vegetables and parsley
- Mix everything together in a bowl, top with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cool in the refrigerator and serve cold
Notes
Optional add-ins: other vegetables or chickpeas work great
Nutrition Facts
Quinoa Cold Salad
Serves: 6 servings
| Amount Per Serving 1/6 salad | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 207 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 11 | 16.9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0 | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 | |
| Sodium | 0 | |
| Total Carbohydrate 22 | 7.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 3 | 12% | |
| Sugars | ||
| Protein 5 | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
| Calcium | Iron | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Aleah Stander
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