Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m super excited to share this incredible Food Babe-inspired quinoa salad with you. If you’re looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor, you’re in for a treat! This recipe is all about simplicity—just wholesome ingredients that come together to create a colorful, nutritious dish. I love how easy it is to whip up and how it makes me feel energized after every bite. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate veggies into your meals, making it perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll be hooked! It’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, embodying everything the Food Babe philosophy stands for. Let’s dive into the goodness together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups quinoa: This is the star of the show! Rinse it well under cold water to remove any bitterness before cooking. It adds a lovely nutty flavor and protein to the salad.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Using vegetable broth instead of water gives the quinoa an extra flavor boost! You can use homemade or store-bought—just make sure it’s low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These bite-sized beauties add sweetness and juiciness. Halving them allows their vibrant flavor to shine through in every mouthful.
- 1 cucumber, diced: A refreshing crunch that balances the other ingredients! Dice it into small pieces so it mixes well throughout the salad.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: This adds a nice zing! Make sure to chop it finely so it blends into the salad without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs elevate this dish, bringing in a burst of color and freshness. Chop it roughly or finely, depending on your preference.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil adds richness and helps to bring all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens everything up! It’s essential for that zesty kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! Just a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper will enhance all those vibrant flavors.
How to Prepare the Food Babe Quinoa Salad
Getting this Food Babe quinoa salad ready is as easy as pie! I promise, with just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty, nutritious dish that’s bursting with flavor. First things first, make sure you rinse your quinoa under cold water. This little step is crucial—it washes away any bitterness and helps it fluff up beautifully when cooked. Once that’s done, it’s time to cook! Bring your vegetable broth to a boil, then add the rinsed quinoa. Lower the heat, cover it up, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens! After 15 minutes, take it off the heat and let it sit for another 5 minutes to absorb any leftover liquid. Fluff it with a fork, and you’re ready to mix in those fresh veggies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa well under cold water to remove any bitterness.
- In a pot, bring 4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add the rinsed quinoa to the boiling broth, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large bowl.
- In the same bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine everything.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature; enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This quinoa salad comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch prep.
- Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, it embodies the Food Babe philosophy of nourishing your body with real ingredients.
- Vibrant Flavors: The combination of fresh veggies, zesty lemon, and rich olive oil creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile: Feel free to mix in your favorite seasonal veggies or proteins. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts to what you have on hand!
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad stores beautifully, making it an ideal choice for meal prep. Enjoy it throughout the week!
- Refreshing and Satisfying: It’s light yet filling, perfect for any meal or as a side dish that everyone will love.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Food Babe quinoa salad turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip rinsing the quinoa; it really helps remove any bitterness, giving you that lovely nutty taste. If you’re in a pinch, you can use water instead of vegetable broth, but trust me, the broth enhances the flavor significantly!
Also, feel free to customize this salad with whatever veggies you have on hand. Bell peppers, corn, or even avocados can add a delightful twist. For added protein, chickpeas or grilled chicken would fit right in! If you want a creamier texture, try adding a dollop of hummus or a sprinkle of feta cheese just before serving.
And remember, letting the salad chill in the fridge for a bit allows the flavors to meld, making each bite even more delicious. Enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! This Food Babe quinoa salad is not just delicious; it’s also a nutritious powerhouse. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one serving (about 1 cup) of this vibrant dish:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. For example, using different brands of vegetable broth or adding extra toppings can change the numbers a bit. But overall, you can feel good about digging into this healthy salad that aligns with the Food Babe philosophy!
FAQ Section
Can I make this quinoa salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the delicious dressing!
What can I substitute for quinoa?
If you’re not a fan of quinoa or just want to switch things up, you can use farro, bulgur, or even brown rice. Each grain will bring its unique texture and flavor, but they all work beautifully in this salad!
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, it is! This Food Babe quinoa salad is entirely plant-based, making it a great option for anyone following a vegan lifestyle. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and packed with nutrients!
How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, your quinoa salad will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before enjoying it again!
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some roasted tofu for a protein boost. This salad is super versatile, so add whatever you love!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Food Babe quinoa salad is a breeze! Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days, so you can enjoy those vibrant flavors throughout the week. I love making this salad ahead of time; it makes for such an easy grab-and-go lunch!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there’s no need for reheating—this salad is just as delicious chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it warmed up, you can gently heat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it! You want to keep that fresh crunch of the veggies intact. Just give it a quick stir, and it’s ready to go! Enjoy every bite of this delicious, nutritious dish!
Print
Food Babe’s 7 Delicious Quinoa Salad Secrets Unveiled
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple and healthy recipe inspired by the food babe philosophy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups quinoa
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add quinoa and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- Add cooked quinoa to the bowl and mix well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- This salad is great for meal prep.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: food babe, healthy recipe, quinoa salad
