Summer Vegetable and Quinoa Salad
This salad is a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of summer. The quinoa provides a hearty base, while the vegetables add a variety of textures and flavors. The olive oil and lemon juice dressing is light and flavorful, and the fresh herbs add a touch of brightness.
This salad was inspired by a trip to the farmers market. I was overwhelmed by the abundance of fresh produce, and I wanted to find a way to use as many of them as possible. I started with quinoa, a grain that is both healthy and versatile. Then I added a variety of vegetables, including bell peppers, cucumbers, red onion, parsley, and mint. Finally, I tossed the salad with a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing. The result was a salad that was both delicious and nutritious.
Summer Vegetable and Quinoa Salad Summer Vegetable and Quinoa Salad Summer Vegetable and Quinoa Salad Summer Vegetable and Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
  1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa, vegetable broth, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
  4. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables.
  5. Remove the seeds from the bell pepper and chop the flesh into small pieces.
  6. Peel the cucumber and chop into small pieces.
  7. Chop the red onion and fresh parsley into small pieces.
  8. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large bowl.
  9. Add the chopped bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and olive oil to the bowl.
  10. Stir until well combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Why It Works
  • The quinoa provides a hearty base for the salad.
  • The vegetables add a variety of textures and flavors.
  • The olive oil and lemon juice dressing is light and flavorful.
  • The fresh herbs add a touch of brightness.