Awesome Quinoa Salad Recipe

This vibrant, fresh, and nutritious quinoa salad is a perfect dish for any occasion—whether you're meal prepping for the week, serving at a BBQ, or just craving a light, healthy meal! It’s loaded with colorful veggies, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together. Let’s get started! 🌿🥗

Ingredients:

- 1 cup quinoa (white, red, or tricolor – any variety you love!)
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth (for extra flavor)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup baby spinash, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional, you can add 1/2 red and 1/2 yellow bell pepper instead)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, but adds a refreshing flavor!)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional but adds creaminess!)

For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Quinoa:
Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bitterness. Then, bring 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth) to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork, then set it aside to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Veggies:
While the quinoa is cooking and cooling, chop your veggies! Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and chop the red bell pepper and red onion. Toss them all into a large bowl. The more colorful, the better! 🌈

3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This dressing will be tangy, slightly sweet, and just perfect for bringing all those flavors together.

4. Assemble the Salad:
Once the quinoa is cool, add it to the bowl with your chopped veggies. Add the fresh parsley, cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over everything and give it a good toss. Make sure all the quinoa and veggies are coated in that delicious dressing!

5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if you want extra zing!

Serve and Enjoy!
This quinoa salad is ready to be served as a fresh and healthy side dish or even as a main course! It’s perfect for meal prepping, picnics, or simply enjoying a nutritious meal. Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy lunch, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser. 😋

Feel free to customize the salad with additional toppings like avocado, olives, or chickpeas for added texture and flavor! 🌟 Enjoy every bite of this colorful, refreshing salad!