Description
A vibrant, refreshing, and protein-packed salad that balances cool, crisp vegetables with a bold, spicy kick. This easy-to-prepare dish features fluffy quinoa and zesty aromatics, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious lunch or a flavorful side at your next summer gathering.
Ingredients
- 🌾 1 cup quinoa
- 🥒 2 large cucumbers, diced
- 🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 🧅 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 🌶️ 1 tbsp red chili flakes
- 🌿 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 🍋 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 🫙 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Shopping List
- 🌾 Quinoa (1 cup)
- 🥒 Cucumbers (2 large)
- 🍅 Cherry tomatoes (1 cup)
- 🧅 Red onion (1/4 cup)
- 🌶️ Red chili flakes (1 tbsp)
- 🌿 Fresh parsley (1/2 cup)
- 🍋 Lemon (1)
- 🫙 Dijon mustard (1 tbsp)
Instructions
- Rinse the 🌾 quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the 🌾 quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the 🌾 quinoa stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the 🌾 quinoa with a fork and spread it on a large baking sheet to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 🍋 lemon juice, 🫙 mustard, and 🌶️ chili flakes.
- Add the cooled 🌾 quinoa, diced 🥒 cucumbers, halved 🍅 cherry tomatoes, minced 🧅 onion, and chopped 🌿 parsley to the bowl.
- Toss everything gently to combine and season to taste.
Notes
- Ensure the 🌾 quinoa is completely cool before mixing to keep the 🥒 cucumbers and 🍅 cherry tomatoes crisp.
- This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the 🌶️ chili flakes to further infuse the dressing.
Chef's Tips
- Toast the dry 🌾 quinoa in a dry saucepan for 2–3 minutes before adding water to intensify its natural nuttiness.
- For a more refined texture, use a spoon to scoop out the watery seeds from the center of the 🥒 cucumbers before dicing.
- If you prefer a milder raw onion flavor, soak the diced 🧅 red onion in cold water for 10 minutes and pat dry before folding into the salad.
- Adjust the amount of 🌶️ chili flakes based on your personal heat preference; start with half the amount if you are sensitive to spice.