Easy Quinoa Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• Quinoa (cooked): 500 grams
• Mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine lettuce, spinach): 4 cups
• Diced cucumber: 1 cup
• Diced red bell pepper: 1/2 cup
• Diced cherry tomatoes: 1 cup
• Feta cheese crumbles: 1/2 cup
• Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons
• Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Fresh herbs (e.g., basil, oregano) for seasoning

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes (including cooking quinoa)
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes (for quinoa)

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty - requires attention to cooking quinoa and mixing ingredients)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare quinoa according to package instructions and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, mixed salad greens, cucumber, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese crumbles.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to create the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for later.

Nutritional Information: (Based on average values; please refer to nutritional charts for precise values)

• Calories: Approx. 400 calories per serving (based on the ingredients listed)
• Fat: 16 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Protein: 12 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams (approx.)

Dish Characteristics:

• Refreshing and light salad that combines the flavors of quinoa with fresh vegetables and a citrusy dressing.
• Versatile dish that can be customized with different salad greens and additional ingredients based on preference.
• Great as a standalone dish or paired with grilled meats or fish.

User Comments:

1. "Love the combination of flavors in this salad! The quinoa gives it a unique texture and the dressing is so fresh." - John Doe, New York, USA
2. "Easy to make and very filling. This salad is a great addition to my healthy diet." - Jane Smith, California, USA
3. "I've never tried quinoa in a salad before, but it works really well with the other ingredients. Will definitely make this again." - Michael Johnson, Texas, USA

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure to cook the quinoa properly to achieve the best texture and flavor. Follow package instructions for cooking quinoa.
• Adjust the seasoning of the dressing according to personal preference. Add more salt or lemon juice for desired taste.