Quinoa Salad Recipe

* A Nutritious and Delicious Delight*

Looking for a healthy and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further! This Quinoa Salad recipe is a vibrant and nutritious mix of cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all tied together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes, but it's also packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a great option for a light lunch, dinner, or even a potluck. With its easy-to-follow instructions and customizable ingredients, this Quinoa Salad recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add some excitement to their meal routine!

Ingredients:

- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

- 2 cups water or vegetable broth

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 cup mixed cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1 cup cucumber, sliced

- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese (if using) to the bowl. Toss to combine.

4. Stir in chopped parsley.

5. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

*Tips and Variations:*

- Use any combination of colorful cherry tomatoes.

- Add some heat with red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.

- Substitute crumbled goat cheese or ricotta for feta.

- Mix in some chopped bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch.

- Make it a meal by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Quinoa Salad!

Here is the estimated calorie chart per serving for the Quinoa Salad Recipe:

_Per serving (assuming 4-6 servings)_

- Calories: 350-450

- Total Fat: 15-20g

    - Saturated Fat: 3-4g

    - Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.5-1g

- Carbohydrates: 40-50g

    - Fiber: 5-6g

    - Sugar: 5-6g

- Protein: 10-12g

- Sodium: 200-300mg

- Cholesterol: 10-20mg

_Macronutrient Breakdown:_

- Fat: 35-40%

- Carbohydrates: 45-50%

- Protein: 15-20%

_Vitamins and Minerals:_

- Vitamin A: 20-25% of the Daily Value (DV)

- Vitamin C: 40-50% of the DV

- Calcium: 10-15% of the DV

- Iron: 20-25% of the DV

- Potassium: 25-30% of the DV

_Additional nutritional information (per serving):_

- Cholesterol-to-fat ratio: 0.2-0.3

- Sodium-to-fat ratio: 1-1.5

- Omega-6 fatty acids: 2-3g

- Selenium: 20-25% of the DV

- Magnesium: 20-25% of the DV

Please note that this is an estimate, and actual calorie and nutrient content may vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements. Additionally, if you customize the recipe or add/remove ingredients, the nutrition information will change accordingly.