Superfood Three Color Quinoa Salad

Crunchy, healthy, and delicious – Yes that’s right, we are talking about our Superfood Red Quinoa Salad. Though it is hard to believe that a vegan salad can be delicious too, with our recipe, it is possible. So, next time when you are in the mood to try something colorful, crunchy, and wholesome, give this recipe a try and trust us, you will be glad to have tried it.

Enough said, now let’s check out the ingredients:

Ingredients for the Salad:

• 1 cup uncooked Three Color Quinoa by Pride of India
• 2 cups water
• ½ medium cucumber (1 cup, diced)
• 1 medium bell pepper chopped
• 1 cup additional chopped veggies like broccoli stems, carrots, etc.
• ½ cup nuts and seeds like sunflower seeds, pine nuts, or walnuts
• ¼ cup dried fruits like blueberries or cranberries
• ½ herbs, coarsely chopped (use fresh cilantro, dill, basil, or mint)
• 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp maple syrup
• ½ fine Himalayan Pink Salt by Pride of India
• ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper
• Juice from 2 to 3 lemon wedges

Preparation:

Cook Quinoa:

• Add quinoa to a fine mesh strainer. Run it under cool water for 30 seconds to a minute. After that, transfer the quinoa to a bowl and cover it with cool water.
• Now drain the water and repeat the process once more. Make sure the quinoa is thoroughly rinsed.
• Combine the rinsed quinoa with water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil then reduce to a low simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed by the quinoa.
• Move the saucepan off the heat and cover for five minutes. This extra time will allow the quinoa to off the steam and fluff up. Then, fluff the quinoa with the fork and set it aside to cool slightly.

Salad Preparation:

• Let the quinoa cool down a bit in a large bowl and combine it with chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and herbs.
• Take a small bowl, and whisk the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until it's completely blended.
• Now, pour the dressing over the salad and toss it well. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
• Lastly, for the pop of flavor spritz the lemon juice and place the wedges over the salad.

Enjoy this salad for your breakfast or brunch or when you have guests over. Though it is a vegan recipe but, you can always toss some grilled chicken or prawn as per your preference and make it up to your choice.