She Strengthens

Elevate Your Meals with a Flavorful Quinoa Salad

A Nutritious Base

Quinoa is a great starting point for a healthy and delicious meal. This protein-packed grain is easy to incorporate into your diet, and with a few simple ingredients, it can be transformed into a mouthwatering salad.

Where to Find Quinoa

You can find quinoa at your local health food store, gourmet grocery store, or online. With its growing popularity, it’s now easier than ever to get your hands on this nutritious grain.

Game Plan: Prep Ahead

To make the most of your time, prep the quinoa ahead of time. Steps 1 through 3 can be done the night before, and then refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the salad.

The Perfect Combination

Throw some juicy tomatoes, savory olives, and tangy cheese into the mix, and you’ll have a salad that’s both healthy and flavorful. To take it to the next level, try pairing it with pan-fried salmon for a well-rounded dinner.

Quinoa Salad Recipe

Yield: 6-8 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups quinoa, any color or variety
• Kosher salt
• 3 medium tomatoes, cored and large dice
• 3/4 cup mixed olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
• 5 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more as needed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup feta, blue, or ricotta salata cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Rinse and Cook the Quinoa

Rinse the quinoa in a strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, place it in a large saucepan, cover with about 2 to 3 inches of cold water, season with salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Simmer and Cool

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the white outer casings on the quinoa have popped, revealing translucent little beads, about 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the quinoa and transfer it to a large bowl. Let it sit at room temperature until cooled, about 45 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Flavors

Add the diced tomatoes, chopped olives, measured lemon juice, and olive oil to the cooled quinoa. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir to combine. If desired, fold in the crumbled cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Tips and Variations

• To cool the quinoa faster, spread it in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet; it’ll cool in about 15 minutes.
• Prepare the recipe through Step 2 the night before you make the salad.
• Experiment with different types of cheese or add some chopped fresh herbs to give the salad an extra boost of flavor.