Prepare to revolutionize your meal with the most mouthwatering, nutrient-packed quinoa salad that will have even die-hard meat-lovers begging for seconds! This "Ridiculously Tasty Vegan Sides" recipe is not just another boring health food – it's a flavor explosion that combines fresh, vibrant vegetables with perfectly cooked quinoa, creating a dish so delicious you won't believe it's completely plant-based. Whether you're a committed vegan or just looking to add some exciting, healthy options to your menu, this recipe is about to become your new go-to side dish that will impress everyone at the table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare vegetables by washing and chopping cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
- Once quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork to separate grains.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, olive oil, and lemon juice. Gently toss to mix ingredients thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. Mix well to distribute seasonings evenly.
- For best flavor, let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld together.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled as a refreshing and nutritious vegan side dish.
Tips
- Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter.
- Perfect Quinoa Texture: Use a 2:1 liquid to quinoa ratio and avoid stirring while cooking to achieve fluffy, separate grains.
- Maximize Flavor: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after mixing to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Vegetable Prep Matters: Chop vegetables into uniform sizes for consistent texture and even flavor distribution.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add additional herbs like fresh basil or mint, or include nuts like toasted almonds for extra crunch.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and packed lunches.
- Temperature Tip: Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for the most refreshing experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
