Quinoa, a nutritional powerhouse, often gets overlooked in Indian cuisine. But this versatile grain seamlessly blends with vibrant Indian flavors, creating a refreshing and healthy salad bursting with taste. Forget bland salads; this recipe elevates quinoa to a whole new level, incorporating the aromatic spices and textures we love in Indian cooking. Imagine a delightful mix of fluffy quinoa, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy, flavorful dressing – all coming together in a symphony of taste and texture. This isn't your typical side dish; it's a complete meal packed with protein and essential nutrients.
This Indian-style quinoa salad is perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish at your next gathering, or a quick and healthy dinner. We'll use easily accessible ingredients to create a flavorful masterpiece. Ready to discover the magic? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to make this delicious and healthy salad.
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Pan
Ingredients
- Quinoa seeds: 200 grams
- Fresh mint leaves
- Fresh parsley
- Coriander (optional)
- Tomatoes: 2 medium
- Cucumber: 1/2
- Spring onion or red onion: 1
- Lemon: 1
- Walnuts
- Pink salt or regular salt
- Black pepper powder: 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil: 3-4 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Quinoa and Vegetables
- Wash quinoa seeds thoroughly under running water.
- Add quinoa to a pan with twice the amount of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed.
- Finely chop mint, parsley, spring onion, cucumber, and tomatoes.
- Remove cooked quinoa from heat and let it cool for 15 minutes.
Step 2. Make the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.
- Add walnuts (optional) to the dressing and mix well.
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- In a bowl, mix the cooled quinoa with the chopped vegetables.
- Add the dressing to the quinoa salad and mix thoroughly.
- Serve the salad.
Read more: Healthy Beetroot Salad Recipe: A Simple & Nutritious Dish
Tips
- You can substitute coriander for parsley.
- Adjust the quantity of ingredients to your liking.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-700
- Fat: 25-35gg
- Carbs: 70-80gg
- Protein: 20-25gg
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this quinoa salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. What can I substitute if I don't have all the vegetables listed?
Feel free to adapt! Substitute with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Peppers, cucumbers, carrots, or even chickpeas would work well.
This vibrant Indian-style quinoa salad is a testament to the versatility of quinoa and the magic of Indian spices. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish as a satisfying meal or a refreshing side, perfect for any occasion. We hope you enjoy this recipe and experiment with your own variations to create your perfect bowl!