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Sure, here's a delicious and versatile quinoa salad recipe that fits your requirements:
**Summer Quinoa Salad**
**Ingredients:**
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or almonds
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
**Optional Add-ins:**
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas or black beans for added protein
- 1/2 cup diced avocado
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (if not vegan)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook Quinoa:** In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. **Prepare Vegetables:** While quinoa is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Chop tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and basil. If you're using any optional add-ins like avocado or cheese, prepare them now as well.
3. **Assemble Salad:** In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, and toasted pine nuts or almonds.
4. **Make Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. **Toss Salad:** Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables, and toss everything together until well combined.
6. **Chill and Serve:** Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
**Variations:**
- For a Mediterranean twist, add diced cucumber, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Spice it up with a tablespoon of harissa paste or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Add some sweetness with diced mango or pineapple.
- Experiment with different herbs like mint or cilantro for added freshness.
**Tips:**
- To save money, buy quinoa and vegetables in bulk from local farmers markets or co-ops.
- Use seasonal vegetables for optimal flavor and nutrition.
- Substitute quinoa with other gluten-free grains like brown rice or millet if desired.
- Customize the salad based on your preferences and what's available locally.
- To boost the nutritional value, add leafy greens like spinach or kale.
- Don't skip the toasting step for the nuts; it enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad.
Enjoy your summer picnic with this healthy and flavorful quinoa salad!