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Quinoa Power Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Course Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups dry quinoa
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 large zucchini diced
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or mint chopped
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or sliced almonds optional

Lemon Vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1-2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • A pinch of ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse well under running water.
  • Add the quinoa to a medium saucepan with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow quinoa to sit with the lid on for 5 minutes, then uncover and fluff with a fork.
  • Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté for 5 minutes, until translucent. Add red pepper and zucchini and continue to cook for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • For the vinaigrette, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well-combined.
  • Combine quinoa, vegetable mixture, chickpeas, herbs, and seeds/nuts in a large bowl. Stir in the vinaigrette, then allow the dish to sit for 5 to 10 minutes for all the flavors to melt together! Garnish with more fresh parsley and seeds/nuts. Serve immediately, or allow to cool then refrigerate to serve chilled.
Keyword lemon vinaigrette, quinoa recipe, quinoa salad, vegan recipes