Quinoa Vegetable Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• Quinoa (2 cups, cooked)
• Carrots (1 large, diced)
• Celery (2 stalks, diced)
• Red bell peppers (1, diced)
• Cucumber (1 small, diced)
• Red onion (1 small, diced)
• Fresh herbs (such as basil or mint, chopped)
• Olive oil (3 tbsp)
• Lemon juice (2 tbsp)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional: Feta cheese crumbles (1/2 cup) for a richer flavor

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes (including quinoa cooking time)
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes (for quinoa)

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty - requires attention to cooking quinoa properly)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare quinoa by rinsing and cooking according to package instructions. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine diced carrots, celery, red bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion.
3. Once the quinoa is cool, add it to the bowl with the vegetables.
4. Add chopped fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
5. If using feta cheese, add it at the end for a richer flavor.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for later.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving (depending on ingredients used)
• Carbohydrates: Quinoa is a good source of carbs; also provides fiber from vegetables
• Protein: Quinoa and vegetables provide protein
• Fat: Healthy fats from olive oil
• Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in various vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and herbs

Dish Characteristics:

• Creative blend of flavors and textures
• Healthy and nutritious with a balance of carbs, protein, and fats
• Versatile - can be served as a main dish or as a side salad
• Great for hot summer days as a refreshing meal or side dish

User Comments:

1. "Quinoa Vegetable Salad was a pleasant surprise! The combination of flavors was unique and refreshing."
2. "I loved the crunch from the vegetables paired with the soft quinoa. The lemon juice added a nice tangy taste."
3. "This salad is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. It's also very healthy and filling."
4. "I added some feta cheese as suggested and it really brought the flavor up a notch."
5. "This recipe is easy to follow and makes a great salad that can be customized with different herbs and flavors."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to cook the quinoa properly by following package instructions to ensure best texture and flavor.
• Adjust seasoning according to preference. Start with smaller amounts of salt and pepper and add more if needed.
• If you don't like strong flavors, you can reduce the amount of lemon juice or omit it altogether.
• This salad can be served warm or chilled, so it's great for summer picnics or potlucks.