Serves :2

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa mixed with 1 tbsp. pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1 cup chopped arugula
• 1/2 cup sliced red peppers

DRESSING:

• 1 tbsp. olive oil or cumin oil
• 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of black pepper
• Pinch of sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the pumpkin seeds.
2. Add the chopped almonds, chopped arugula, and sliced red peppers to the quinoa mixture.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil (or cumin oil) with fresh lemon juice, black pepper, and sea salt to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture.
5. Toss all the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed.
6. Serve the quinoa salad immediately as a nutritious and flavorful side dish or light meal.

ALLERGIES:

SF (Shellfish-Free)

GF (Gluten-Free)

DF (Dairy-Free)

EF (Egg-Free)

NF (Nut-Free)

V (Vegetarian)

Here are some variations of the quinoa salad recipe:

1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad:
   • Add chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the quinoa mixture. For the dressing, use olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Asian Quinoa Salad:
   • Incorporate shredded carrots, edamame beans, chopped scallions, and chopped cilantro into the quinoa. For the dressing, use sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), honey (or maple syrup for vegan), grated ginger, and a dash of Sriracha for a bit of spice.
3. Southwestern Quinoa Salad:
   • Add black beans, diced avocado, corn kernels, diced red onion, and chopped bell peppers to the quinoa. For the dressing, use lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Italian Quinoa Salad:
   • Combine diced mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and fresh basil leaves with the quinoa. For the dressing, use a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Green Goddess Quinoa Salad:
   • Add diced cucumber, avocado, chopped kale, and green peas to the quinoa. For the dressing, blend together fresh parsley, basil, chives, lemon juice, Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt), and a touch of honey or agave for sweetness.
6. Fruity Quinoa Salad:
   • Mix in diced mango, strawberries, blueberries, and toasted coconut flakes with the quinoa. For the dressing, combine honey, lime juice, and a pinch of cinnamon for a refreshing sweet-tangy flavor.
7. Herbed Quinoa Salad:
   • Add a combination of fresh herbs like parsley, mint, dill, and cilantro to the quinoa. For the dressing, use lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
8. Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad:
   • Add black beans, diced avocado, chopped cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and sliced jalapenos to the quinoa. For the dressing, use lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, and a touch of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
9. Greek Quinoa Salad:
   • Mix in diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese with the quinoa. For the dressing, use red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
10. Pesto Quinoa Salad:
    • Add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped fresh spinach, and pine nuts to the quinoa. For the dressing, mix in store-bought or homemade pesto sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice.