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Easy Quinoa Salad

celiac-safe quinoa salad - featured image
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A fresh, colorful, and naturally gluten-free quinoa salad perfect for anyone navigating gluten sensitivities. Quick to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup (40g) red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30 seconds using a fine-mesh sieve.
  2. Transfer rinsed quinoa to a medium saucepan and add 2 cups (475ml) of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered for another 5 minutes to let quinoa fluff up.
  4. Fluff quinoa gently with a fork and spread on a large plate or baking sheet to cool faster.
  5. While quinoa cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper, finely chop red onion, parsley, and mint. Soak onion in cold water for 5 minutes if desired to mellow sharpness.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa with chopped veggies and herbs. Pour dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
  8. Fold in optional feta cheese or toasted pine nuts if using.
  9. Refrigerate salad for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Use separate utensils and cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination in a celiac-safe kitchen. Let quinoa rest covered after cooking for fluffier texture. Add optional ingredients like feta or pine nuts for extra flavor and texture. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing the salad with fresh veggies as texture will degrade.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa salad, gluten-free, celiac-safe, healthy salad, easy quinoa recipe, fresh salad, gluten sensitivity, quick salad

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/healthy-celiac-safe-kitchen-guide-with-easy-quinoa-salad-recipe/