Delectable Veggie-Packed Quinoa Salad

Certainly! Here’s the recipe for a Delectable Veggie-Packed Quinoa Salad:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional, omit for a vegan version)
• 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (optional, for added crunch)
• Dressing:
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 

Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer the quinoa for about 15-20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. The quinoa is ready when it becomes fluffy and each grain has a tiny spiral tail.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the quinoa cool to room temperature.
4. While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red and yellow bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, fresh parsley, and fresh mint.
6. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and veggies, and toss everything together until the salad is well coated.
7. If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and sliced black olives over the salad for added flavor and texture.
8. For some extra crunch, top the Delectable Veggie-Packed Quinoa Salad with roasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds.
9. Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
10. This salad is perfect as a light and refreshing lunch or a side dish for dinner. It’s also great for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion when you want a healthy and flavorful dish.

Enjoy this nutrient-packed quinoa salad, brimming with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more wholesome ingredients into your diet while indulging in delicious flavors!