Signature Recipe
Zesty Lime Cilantro Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad with zesty lime dressing, fresh cilantro, and crunchy vegetables.
As the warm weather unfolds, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a vibrant salad bursting with flavor and color. This quinoa salad is a delightful combination of textures and tastes that makes for the perfect lunch or side dish. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cooking time, and will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. The star of the show is the fluffy quinoa, which serves as a wholesome base, offering a nutty flavor and a beautiful lightness to the dish.
To elevate this salad, we’ve included bright cherry tomatoes that lend a juicy sweetness and a pop of color. The cool, crisp cucumber adds a delightful crunch, balancing the other ingredients beautifully. Each bite is a celebration of freshness, especially when paired with the zesty lime dressing that ties everything together. The tangy citrus notes invigorate the palate, while fresh cilantro introduces an aromatic herbaceousness that complements the salad perfectly.
Preparing this dish is a breeze, taking just a total of 35 minutes from start to finish. With only a few steps, you’ll find yourself cooking the quinoa to a fluffy perfection while chopping the vegetables to create an eye-catching medley. As the ingredients come together, the vibrant hues of the salad will make your kitchen feel alive with anticipation.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side for a summer barbecue, or a healthy meal prep option, this quinoa salad is a versatile choice that’s sure to please. Its appealing presentation and refreshing taste make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, and let’s embark on this delicious culinary adventure!
Zesty Lime Cilantro 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 cup bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Steps
- In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the rinsed quinoa.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
General Notes
- Serves 4
- A refreshing quinoa salad with zesty lime dressing, fresh cilantro, and crunchy vegetables.