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Fresh Quinoa Summer Salad Recipe Easy Perfect Cucumber Tomato Bowl

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A crisp, colorful quinoa salad with cucumber, tomato, and fresh herbs, perfect for light and refreshing summer meals. Easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa (185g), rinsed thoroughly
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth (475ml)
  • 1 large English cucumber, diced (seeds removed for less moisture)
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30 seconds using a fine mesh sieve to remove natural bitterness.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Turn off heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  3. Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool to room temperature.
  4. While quinoa cools, dice the cucumber (remove seeds if desired), halve the tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and chop the parsley and mint.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Add the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and herbs to the cooled quinoa. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
  7. Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.

Notes

Toast quinoa lightly before cooking for nuttier flavor. Remove cucumber seeds to reduce moisture. Let salad rest before serving to meld flavors. Keep dressing separate if preparing ahead to maintain freshness. Use maple syrup for vegan option. Substitute quinoa with couscous or bulgur if not gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa salad, summer salad, cucumber tomato salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, vegan salad

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/fresh-quinoa-summer-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-cucumber-tomato-bowl/