Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa mixed with 1 tbsp. sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped tomato and green pepper
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

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 mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with sesame seeds.
2. Add the chopped tomato and green pepper to the quinoa mixture.
3. Add the chopped cucumber and cilantro to the bowl.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil (or cumin oil), fresh lemon juice, black pepper, and sea salt to make the dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture.
6. Toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
8. Serve the quinoa salad immediately as a light and nutritious meal or side dish. Enjoy!

Allergies:

Gluten-free (GF)
Egg-free (EF)
Nut-free (NF)
Shellfish-free (SF)

Here are some variations of the quinoa salad recipe:

1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad:
   • Add Kalamata olives, diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley to the quinoa mixture. For the dressing, use olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Mexican Quinoa Salad:
   • Mix in black beans, diced avocado, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro to the quinoa. For the dressing, use a combination of lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Asian Quinoa Salad:
   • Add shredded carrots, edamame beans, sliced green onions, and chopped red bell pepper to the quinoa. For the dressing, use soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced ginger, and garlic.
4. Summer Quinoa Salad:
   • Mix in diced watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, and arugula to the quinoa. For the dressing, use balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
5. Southwest Quinoa Salad:
   • Add black beans, diced avocado, roasted corn, diced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro to the quinoa. For the dressing, use lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and a touch of honey.
6. Greek Quinoa Salad:
   • Mix in cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the quinoa. For the dressing, use red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
7. Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad:
   • Roast vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, then add them to the quinoa. Top with chopped fresh basil and a lemon-tahini dressing.
8. Tropical Quinoa Salad:
   • Mix in diced mango, pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped macadamia nuts to the quinoa. For the dressing, use lime juice, honey, coconut milk, and a pinch of curry powder.
9. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Quinoa Salad:
   • Roast diced beets until tender and add them to the quinoa. Mix in crumbled goat cheese, chopped walnuts, and baby arugula. For the dressing, use balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
10. Thai Peanut Quinoa Salad:
    • Mix in shredded carrots, thinly sliced red cabbage, chopped peanuts, and fresh cilantro to the quinoa. For the dressing, use a combination of peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, and garlic.