Lemon-Basil Quinoa Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• Quinoa (1 cup)
• Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Lemons (2-3, juice only)
• Red bell peppers (1, chopped)
• Cucumber (1 small, chopped)
• Olives (1/4 cup, pitted and chopped)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
• Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare quinoa by rinsing with water to remove any residue or dust. Add 2 cups of water and cook until tender. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa with chopped basil, red bell peppers, cucumber, olives, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice and vegetable oil to make a dressing. Pour over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutritional Information: (Please note that these are estimated values and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 3g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creative combination of flavors with lemon and basil
• Hearty and filling due to quinoa
• Fresh and light summer salad that is vegetarian-friendly
• Can be served as a side dish or as a main course for a lighter meal

User Comments:

1. "Love the combination of lemon and basil! This salad is refreshing and filling."
2. "Quinoa is such a great grain for salads. This one is a hit with my family."
3. "I added some diced chicken to make it a more complete meal. Still tasted great!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to rinse quinoa before cooking to remove any residue or dust.
• Adjust lemon juice and oil to taste, depending on your preference for tanginess.
• If you prefer a heartier salad, you can add cooked protein like chicken, shrimp, or beans.