Warm Quinoa Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• Quinoa: 500g
• Red bell peppers: 200g (chopped)
• Yellow bell peppers: 200g (chopped)
• Orange bell peppers: 200g (chopped)
• Cucumber: 200g (sliced)
• Red onion: 150g (chopped)
• Feta cheese: 150g (crumbled)
• Fresh basil: 50g (chopped)
• Extra virgin olive oil: 60ml
• Balsamic vinegar: 30ml
• Salt and pepper: to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level: 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare quinoa by rinsing it in water to remove any residue, then cooking in a pot of boiling water until tender.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the chopped peppers, cucumber, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a dressing. Pour over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Add the crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil, and gently stir to mix.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: approximately 450 calories per serving (based on the given ingredients)
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Protein: 15g

Dish Characteristics:

• Colorful and visually appealing due to the combination of different colored bell peppers.
• Full of flavor with the combination of sweet, sour, and salty tastes.
• Healthy and nutritious with the use of quinoa, a good source of protein and fiber.
• Feta cheese adds a creamy and rich taste to the salad.

User Comments:

• "This salad was delicious! The combination of flavors was spot on."
• "I loved the use of quinoa in this salad, it added a nice crunchy texture."
• "The dressing was perfect, not too sweet or sour."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to rinse the quinoa well before cooking to remove any residue.
• Adjust the dressing according to your taste, adding more olive oil or vinegar if needed.
• If you want to add more protein, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp to the salad.