Fresh and Flavorful Shrimp and Quinoa Salad

This shrimp and quinoa salad is a light and refreshing dish that's perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. The quinoa provides a hearty base, while the shrimp, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and bell pepper add flavor and texture. The lemon-honey dressing is the perfect finishing touch, adding a bright and tangy flavor that brings all the ingredients together.

I first came up with this recipe when I was looking for a way to use up some leftover quinoa. I had some shrimp in the fridge, and some fresh vegetables, and I thought, why not throw it all together? The result was this delicious and easy salad that has become a staple in my summer repertoire.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 5 | Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions and set aside to cool.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, shrimp, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and bell pepper.
4. Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Why It Works

• The combination of quinoa, shrimp, and vegetables provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
• The lemon-honey dressing is a perfect balance of sweet and sour, and it helps to brighten up the flavors of the other ingredients.
• This salad is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. You can add or remove ingredients as you like, and you can adjust the amount of dressing to your liking.