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Nutrient-Packed Quinoa Salad with Mixed Vegetables


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Chef Sophia
  • Total Time: 30minutes

Description

This vibrant Quinoa Salad with Mixed Vegetables is not only delicious but also perfect for those focusing on weight loss and lean eating. Packed with protein-rich quinoa and an array of colorful vegetables, this salad provides essential nutrients to keep you energized and satisfied.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup/190g Quinoa (soaked for about 30 minutes)
  • 3 Tbsp Olive oil
  • 1+1/2 cup 200g Onion
  • 1+1/2 Tbsp Garlic or to taste – finely chopped
  • 1/2 Tbsp Ginger or to taste  – finely chopped
  • 1/2 Tsp Turmeric
  • 1 Tsp Paprika (NOT SMOKED)
  • 1 Tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 Tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper (Optional)
  •  1/4 + 3/4 teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt
  • 150g / 1 cup Carrots
  • 130g / 1 cup Green Beans
  • 200g / 1 cup Tomatoes – chopped
  • 70g / 1/2 cup Frozen Green Peas
  • 325ml / 1+1/3 cup Water OR AS REQUIRED
  • 100g / 3+1/2 cup Spinach – LEAVES ONLY
  • 1/2 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the quinoa

  • Thoroughly washing the quinoa a few times until the water runs clear and then soak in water for about 30 minutes.
  • When quinoa is soaked, drain the water from the quinoa and let it sit in the strainer.

Step 2: Cook the onion, garlic and ginger

  • To a heated pan add the cooking oil, onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  • Adding salt to onion will release its moisture and help it cook faster so please don’t skip it.
  •  Fry the onion on medium to medium-high heat until it just starts to brown.
  • Once the onion has starts, add the finely chopped garlic and ginger and fry for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Cook vegetables

  • Add carrots, green beans and spices (Turmeric, Paprika,Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Cayenne Pepper) and mix well.
  • Fry on medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add quinoa and other vagetables

  • Add the soaked quinoa, chopped tomatoes, frozen peas, salt and water to the pan.
  • Bring it to a vigorous boil.
  • Then cover the lid and reduce the heat to low.
  • Cook on low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked.

Step 5: Serve

  • Once the quinoa is cooked, turn off the stove.
  • Right away add the spinach leaves while the quinoa is still steaming hot, so that the spinach can wilt from the heat.
  • Along with lemon juice and ground black pepper and mix thoroughly BUT GENTLY.
  •  Top it with toasted cashews and chopped cilantro (coriander leaves).
  • Serve hot.

Notes

  • You can add other vegetables like avocado, shredded carrots, or spinach to increase the nutritional value of the salad.
  • For added protein, toss in some cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken breast.
  • Make a larger batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10minutes
  • Cook Time: 20minutes
  • Category: HEALTH,Weight-Loss & Diet