Description
Learn how to make wholesome Peruvian Quinoa Salad loaded with flavor and health benefits. Perfect as a delicious main dish or side.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Quinoa
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/2 tsp salt
For the Salad
1 small cucumber, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup red onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
3/4 cup queso fresco, cubed
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, sliced
Juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt, to taste
For Garnish and Serving
2–3 avocados, halved and pitted
Black olives
Fresh cilantro
Instructions
For the Quinoa
- In a small, dry pot, toast the quinoa over medium heat for about five minutes until it becomes aromatic. Add water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the quinoa appears translucent and the grains unfold into tiny, curled shapes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
For the Salad
- While the quinoa is cooling, chop the vegetables and put them all in a salad bowl.
Assemble the salad
- Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Season generously with salt, olive oil- the lime or lemon juice, it might taste a bit sour until the salad is properly seasoned, adding a little at a time until it tasted just right. Garnish with olives and cilantro, if desired. Serve with or inside avocado halves.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: stovetop & chopping
- Cuisine: Perivian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quinoa tomato cucumber salad, Peruvian Quinoa Salad