Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
- First things first: let’s get the quinoa cooked. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. When it’s done, you’ll see tiny white spirals. That’s the magic of quinoa! Fluff it up with a fork and let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
- While the quinoa cools, chop up your veggies. Slice the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the red onion. The colors should start coming together beautifully. And don’t forget to chop the cilantro or parsley. Fresh herbs really amp up the flavor!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and oregano. Add a good pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it—balance is key. If it’s too tart for your liking, add a bit more honey. It’s all about your preference!
Step 4: Combine Everything
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and roasted red bell peppers. Gently fold in the diced avocados and crumbled feta. Be careful; you don’t want a mushy mess!
Step 5: Dress It Up
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss everything together with love. The goal is to coat each bit without crushing the avocados. Finally, garnish with fresh herbs. Voilà! You now have a salad that's not just a showstopper but also packed with health benefits.
Notes
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa before cooking it. This removes the saponins, which can taste bitter.
- Use Ripe Avocados: Choose avocados that yield slightly to pressure. Overripe avocados can create a mushy texture, while underripe ones may be too firm.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Batch Cooking: Make a larger quantity of quinoa to use in other meals throughout the week.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, toss in black beans, chickpeas, or grilled chicken.
