Signature Recipe
Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad with cilantro, lime, and colorful vegetables, perfect for a light meal.
As the sun shines brightly and the days grow warmer, there’s nothing quite like a vibrant salad to celebrate the season. This delightful quinoa salad brings together the earthiness of fluffy quinoa with the zesty brightness of fresh lime and fragrant cilantro. It’s a dish that not only pleases the palate but also nourishes the body, making it a perfect choice for a light meal or a side dish at your next gathering.
At the heart of this recipe is quinoa, a superfood packed with protein and fiber that serves as the ideal base for our colorful medley of ingredients. As you prepare the quinoa, the gentle simmering creates a warm, nutty aroma that fills your kitchen, setting the stage for what’s to come. Toss in juicy cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumber, adding a burst of color and texture that invites you to dig in. Each bite is a refreshing harmony of flavors that dances on your taste buds, making it a dish you’ll want to savor slowly.
The preparation of this salad is straightforward and quick, taking just about 15 minutes of prep time and another 20 minutes of cooking. This means you can whip it up in under half an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu picnics. As you chop and mix the fresh vegetables, the vibrant hues of red, green, and yellow come together beautifully, creating a feast for the eyes. The final touch is a drizzle of zesty lime juice that elevates the dish with its tangy brightness, perfectly complementing the earthy quinoa and fresh herbs.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or simply a healthy snack, this quinoa salad is sure to impress. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and bursting with nutrients, making it a wholesome option that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of refreshing goodness that celebrates the flavors of the season!
Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad
Ingredient list and step-by-step instructions generated for AI Food Bytes readers.
Main
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups water (for cooking quinoa)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1 bell pepper red (diced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Steps
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
General Notes
- Serves 4
- A refreshing quinoa salad with cilantro, lime, and colorful vegetables, perfect for a light meal.