![To make your savory quinoa salad with avocado, gather these fresh ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1 small bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste This salad is not just tasty; it is also healthy. Here’s a quick glance at its benefits: - Calories: About 250 per serving - Protein: 7 grams - Carbohydrates: 35 grams - Fat: 10 grams - Fiber: 6 grams - Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K Quinoa is a complete protein, which means it has all nine essential amino acids. The avocado adds healthy fats and fiber. Together, these ingredients provide a great balance. To prepare this salad, you’ll need a few simple tools: - Medium saucepan for cooking quinoa - Fine mesh strainer for rinsing quinoa - Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients - Small bowl for making the dressing - Whisk or fork for mixing the dressing - Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables These tools make the process easy and fun. You can find all of them in your kitchen. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking! First, rinse the quinoa under cold water. Use a fine mesh strainer for this step. Rinsing helps remove any bitter taste. Next, pour two cups of vegetable broth or water into a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa to the boiling liquid. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is gone. Once cooked, take the pot off the heat and let the quinoa cool. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa. Now, it’s time to add other fresh ingredients. Toss in one diced avocado, one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and half a diced cucumber. Next, add a quarter of a finely chopped red onion and one diced bell pepper. You can use any color bell pepper you like. Lastly, add a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley. Gently mix these ingredients together until combined. To make the dressing, grab a small bowl. In this bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of olive oil and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Next, add one teaspoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well combined. Pour the dressing over your quinoa salad mix. Gently toss everything together to ensure even coating. If needed, adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To cook quinoa well, first rinse it. Rinsing removes bitterness and improves taste. Use one part quinoa to two parts liquid. You can use water or vegetable broth for more flavor. Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the rinsed quinoa. Lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, remove it from heat and let it cool. Fluff it with a fork for the best texture. This savory quinoa salad works great as a main dish or a side. You can serve it warm or cold. For lunch, pack it in a container. It holds up well in the fridge. For dinner, pair it with grilled chicken or fish. You can also add it to a taco bar for a fresh twist. Garnishing adds a fun touch to your salad. Try adding extra parsley on top for color. A lemon wedge or lime can brighten the dish. You might also sprinkle some feta cheese for creaminess. For crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds. These little extras make your salad pop with flavor and style. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor with different dressings. A creamy tahini dressing adds a nutty taste. For a spicy kick, try a chipotle vinaigrette. A simple balsamic glaze also works well. These dressings can bring new life to your quinoa salad. Feel free to mix in more veggies. Try adding shredded carrots for crunch. Roasted corn adds sweetness and texture. You might also like to include spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Don't forget to experiment with herbs like cilantro or basil for added flavor. For a filling meal, add protein to your salad. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs well with the flavors. You can also use chickpeas or black beans for a plant-based option. Tofu is another great choice that soaks up the dressing beautifully. These additions make the salad even more satisfying. For a full recipe, check out the Savory Quinoa Salad with Avocado. After you make the savory quinoa salad, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This salad tastes great cold and is perfect for quick meals. You can freeze this salad if you want to keep it longer. However, the avocado may not stay nice. To freeze, put the salad in a freezer-safe container. It will last for about a month. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want to reheat the salad, warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir gently until warm. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the avocado mushy. For best taste, enjoy it cold or at room temperature. Try this full recipe for the best results! To make this salad vegan, simply use vegetable broth. All the other ingredients are already plant-based. The creamy avocado adds richness without any dairy. You can enjoy this salad guilt-free! Yes, you can use brown rice. Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook. It usually needs about 45 minutes of cooking time. Make sure to adjust the water or broth according to the rice package instructions. If you don't have avocado, try using mashed chickpeas. They add creaminess and nutrition. You can also use diced mango for a sweet twist. Another option is to add a dollop of hummus for a tasty kick. This blog post covered how to make a delicious quinoa salad. We explored the key ingredients, their nutrition, and the tools you need. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing quinoa and mixing ingredients. We also discussed tips for perfect cooking and serving ideas. Variations let you try new dressings and add protein. Lastly, I provided storage and reheating tips. Remember, this salad is flexible and fun. Experiment with flavors to make it your own! Enjoy your journey to a tasty and healthy meal!](https://cookingwells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/286d76e9-3dc6-41a7-b71c-290f3f962381-768x768.webp)
Looking for a fresh, tasty dish that’s easy to make? You’ve found it! This savory quinoa salad with avocado is simple, healthy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent or a foodie looking for something new, this salad fits the bill. I’ll guide you through every step, from picking the right ingredients to delicious serving tips. Let’s dive in and get started on this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make your savory quinoa salad with avocado, gather these fresh ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups vegetable broth or water
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 small bell pepper, diced (any color)
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Information
This salad is not just tasty; it is also healthy. Here’s a quick glance at its benefits:
– Calories: About 250 per serving
– Protein: 7 grams
– Carbohydrates: 35 grams
– Fat: 10 grams
– Fiber: 6 grams
– Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K
Quinoa is a complete protein, which means it has all nine essential amino acids. The avocado adds healthy fats and fiber. Together, these ingredients provide a great balance.
Recommended Tools
To prepare this salad, you’ll need a few simple tools:
– Medium saucepan for cooking quinoa
– Fine mesh strainer for rinsing quinoa
– Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
– Small bowl for making the dressing
– Whisk or fork for mixing the dressing
– Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
These tools make the process easy and fun. You can find all of them in your kitchen. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Quinoa
First, rinse the quinoa under cold water. Use a fine mesh strainer for this step. Rinsing helps remove any bitter taste. Next, pour two cups of vegetable broth or water into a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa to the boiling liquid. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is gone. Once cooked, take the pot off the heat and let the quinoa cool.
Combining Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa. Now, it’s time to add other fresh ingredients. Toss in one diced avocado, one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and half a diced cucumber. Next, add a quarter of a finely chopped red onion and one diced bell pepper. You can use any color bell pepper you like. Lastly, add a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley. Gently mix these ingredients together until combined.
Mixing the Dressing
To make the dressing, grab a small bowl. In this bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of olive oil and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Next, add one teaspoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well combined. Pour the dressing over your quinoa salad mix. Gently toss everything together to ensure even coating. If needed, adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfectly Cook Quinoa
To cook quinoa well, first rinse it. Rinsing removes bitterness and improves taste. Use one part quinoa to two parts liquid. You can use water or vegetable broth for more flavor. Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the rinsed quinoa. Lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, remove it from heat and let it cool. Fluff it with a fork for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This savory quinoa salad works great as a main dish or a side. You can serve it warm or cold. For lunch, pack it in a container. It holds up well in the fridge. For dinner, pair it with grilled chicken or fish. You can also add it to a taco bar for a fresh twist.
Garnishing Ideas
Garnishing adds a fun touch to your salad. Try adding extra parsley on top for color. A lemon wedge or lime can brighten the dish. You might also sprinkle some feta cheese for creaminess. For crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds. These little extras make your salad pop with flavor and style. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Variations
Different Dressings to Try
You can change up the flavor with different dressings. A creamy tahini dressing adds a nutty taste. For a spicy kick, try a chipotle vinaigrette. A simple balsamic glaze also works well. These dressings can bring new life to your quinoa salad.
Additional Vegetables and Mix-ins
Feel free to mix in more veggies. Try adding shredded carrots for crunch. Roasted corn adds sweetness and texture. You might also like to include spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Don’t forget to experiment with herbs like cilantro or basil for added flavor.
Protein Additions for Heartiness
For a filling meal, add protein to your salad. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs well with the flavors. You can also use chickpeas or black beans for a plant-based option. Tofu is another great choice that soaks up the dressing beautifully. These additions make the salad even more satisfying.
For a full recipe, check out the Savory Quinoa Salad with Avocado.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
After you make the savory quinoa salad, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This salad tastes great cold and is perfect for quick meals.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze this salad if you want to keep it longer. However, the avocado may not stay nice. To freeze, put the salad in a freezer-safe container. It will last for about a month. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Instructions
If you want to reheat the salad, warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir gently until warm. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the avocado mushy. For best taste, enjoy it cold or at room temperature. Try this full recipe for the best results!
FAQs
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply use vegetable broth. All the other ingredients are already plant-based. The creamy avocado adds richness without any dairy. You can enjoy this salad guilt-free!
Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?
Yes, you can use brown rice. Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook. It usually needs about 45 minutes of cooking time. Make sure to adjust the water or broth according to the rice package instructions.
What can I substitute for avocado?
If you don’t have avocado, try using mashed chickpeas. They add creaminess and nutrition. You can also use diced mango for a sweet twist. Another option is to add a dollop of hummus for a tasty kick.
This blog post covered how to make a delicious quinoa salad. We explored the key ingredients, their nutrition, and the tools you need. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing quinoa and mixing ingredients. We also discussed tips for perfect cooking and serving ideas. Variations let you try new dressings and add protein. Lastly, I provided storage and reheating tips.
Remember, this salad is flexible and fun. Experiment with flavors to make it your own! Enjoy your journey to a tasty and healthy meal!
![To make your savory quinoa salad with avocado, gather these fresh ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1 small bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste This salad is not just tasty; it is also healthy. Here’s a quick glance at its benefits: - Calories: About 250 per serving - Protein: 7 grams - Carbohydrates: 35 grams - Fat: 10 grams - Fiber: 6 grams - Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K Quinoa is a complete protein, which means it has all nine essential amino acids. The avocado adds healthy fats and fiber. Together, these ingredients provide a great balance. To prepare this salad, you’ll need a few simple tools: - Medium saucepan for cooking quinoa - Fine mesh strainer for rinsing quinoa - Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients - Small bowl for making the dressing - Whisk or fork for mixing the dressing - Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables These tools make the process easy and fun. You can find all of them in your kitchen. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking! First, rinse the quinoa under cold water. Use a fine mesh strainer for this step. Rinsing helps remove any bitter taste. Next, pour two cups of vegetable broth or water into a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa to the boiling liquid. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is gone. Once cooked, take the pot off the heat and let the quinoa cool. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa. Now, it’s time to add other fresh ingredients. Toss in one diced avocado, one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and half a diced cucumber. Next, add a quarter of a finely chopped red onion and one diced bell pepper. You can use any color bell pepper you like. Lastly, add a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley. Gently mix these ingredients together until combined. To make the dressing, grab a small bowl. In this bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of olive oil and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Next, add one teaspoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well combined. Pour the dressing over your quinoa salad mix. Gently toss everything together to ensure even coating. If needed, adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To cook quinoa well, first rinse it. Rinsing removes bitterness and improves taste. Use one part quinoa to two parts liquid. You can use water or vegetable broth for more flavor. Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the rinsed quinoa. Lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, remove it from heat and let it cool. Fluff it with a fork for the best texture. This savory quinoa salad works great as a main dish or a side. You can serve it warm or cold. For lunch, pack it in a container. It holds up well in the fridge. For dinner, pair it with grilled chicken or fish. You can also add it to a taco bar for a fresh twist. Garnishing adds a fun touch to your salad. Try adding extra parsley on top for color. A lemon wedge or lime can brighten the dish. You might also sprinkle some feta cheese for creaminess. For crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds. These little extras make your salad pop with flavor and style. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor with different dressings. A creamy tahini dressing adds a nutty taste. For a spicy kick, try a chipotle vinaigrette. A simple balsamic glaze also works well. These dressings can bring new life to your quinoa salad. Feel free to mix in more veggies. Try adding shredded carrots for crunch. Roasted corn adds sweetness and texture. You might also like to include spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Don't forget to experiment with herbs like cilantro or basil for added flavor. For a filling meal, add protein to your salad. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs well with the flavors. You can also use chickpeas or black beans for a plant-based option. Tofu is another great choice that soaks up the dressing beautifully. These additions make the salad even more satisfying. For a full recipe, check out the Savory Quinoa Salad with Avocado. After you make the savory quinoa salad, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This salad tastes great cold and is perfect for quick meals. You can freeze this salad if you want to keep it longer. However, the avocado may not stay nice. To freeze, put the salad in a freezer-safe container. It will last for about a month. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want to reheat the salad, warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir gently until warm. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the avocado mushy. For best taste, enjoy it cold or at room temperature. Try this full recipe for the best results! To make this salad vegan, simply use vegetable broth. All the other ingredients are already plant-based. The creamy avocado adds richness without any dairy. You can enjoy this salad guilt-free! Yes, you can use brown rice. Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook. It usually needs about 45 minutes of cooking time. Make sure to adjust the water or broth according to the rice package instructions. If you don't have avocado, try using mashed chickpeas. They add creaminess and nutrition. You can also use diced mango for a sweet twist. Another option is to add a dollop of hummus for a tasty kick. This blog post covered how to make a delicious quinoa salad. We explored the key ingredients, their nutrition, and the tools you need. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing quinoa and mixing ingredients. We also discussed tips for perfect cooking and serving ideas. Variations let you try new dressings and add protein. Lastly, I provided storage and reheating tips. Remember, this salad is flexible and fun. Experiment with flavors to make it your own! Enjoy your journey to a tasty and healthy meal!](https://cookingwells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/286d76e9-3dc6-41a7-b71c-290f3f962381-250x250.webp)
