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Ultimate Healthy Vegan Quinoa Salad Recipe

Looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal? Try this healthy vegan quinoa salad packed with fresh veggies, plant-based protein, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Healthy Recipes
Calories: 245
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dry quinoa rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1/2 red onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Rinse the dry quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove its natural bitter coating.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Step 3: Remove the quinoa from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool.
  4. Step 4: While the quinoa cools, prepare your dressing by whisking together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, kalamata olives, and fresh parsley to the cooled quinoa.
  6. Step 6: Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour to let the flavors develop.