Ingredients:
1 cup of quinoa
2 cups of water or vegetable broth
1 cup of diced vegetables (such as cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, etc.)
1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, or basil)
1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
1/4 cup of toasted nuts or seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds)
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let it cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, diced vegetables, chopped fresh herbs, crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (if using), and toasted nuts or seeds.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat the salad with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the Quinoa Salad as a nutritious and versatile main course or as a side dish.
Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as dried fruits, avocado slices, roasted vegetables, or your favorite dressing. Enjoy the wholesome and delicious Quinoa Salad!