Serves :2-3

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 bunch mint, leaves picked
• 1 bunch flat leaf parsley
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
• 1/2 cup whole almonds
• 1/2 cup chia or sunflower seeds
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 avocado (optional)
• 1 cup chopped kale or dandelion
• Low-fat yogurt, to serve (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions, then let it cool.
2. Chop off and discard half of the parsley stalks. Finely chop the remaining parsley bunch, mint, and greens. Place them in a salad bowl.
3. Add the finely chopped red onion to the cooled, cooked quinoa.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil). Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and onion mixture in the salad bowl.
6. Add the whole almonds, chia or sunflower seeds, cherry tomatoes, and chopped kale or dandelion to the salad bowl.
7. If using, dice the avocado and add it to the salad.
8. Toss all the ingredients together until well combined and evenly dressed.
9. Optionally, serve the salad with a dollop of low-fat yogurt on top.

ALLERGIES:

SF (Shellfish-Free)

GF (Gluten-Free)

EF (Egg-Free)

Here are some variations of the quinoa salad recipe:

1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Add diced cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the salad. Dress with a lemon-oregano vinaigrette for a taste of the Mediterranean.
2. Mexican Quinoa Salad: Mix in black beans, corn kernels, diced bell peppers, and chopped cilantro. Top with avocado slices and dress with a lime-cumin vinaigrette for a zesty Mexican twist.
3. Asian Quinoa Salad: Incorporate edamame, shredded carrots, and sliced scallions to the salad. Drizzle with a soy-sesame dressing for an Asian-inspired flavor.
4. Fruity Quinoa Salad: Add diced fresh fruits like mangoes, strawberries, and blueberries to the quinoa salad. Garnish with chopped mint leaves and dress with a honey-lime vinaigrette for a refreshing and sweet variation.
5. Greek Quinoa Salad: Combine diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese with the quinoa. Toss with a lemon-herb dressing, featuring oregano and dill, for a taste of Greece.
6. Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: Roast a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. Mix them with the quinoa and dress with a balsamic vinaigrette for a hearty and savory salad.
7. Spicy Quinoa Salad: Add sliced jalapenos or chili peppers, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro to the quinoa salad. Drizzle with a spicy lime dressing for a kick of heat.
8. Italian Quinoa Salad: Combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil leaves with the quinoa. Dress with a balsamic glaze and olive oil for an Italian-inspired twist.
9. Tropical Quinoa Salad: Add diced pineapple, mango, and toasted coconut flakes to the quinoa salad. Dress with a coconut-lime vinaigrette for a taste of the tropics.
10. Herbed Quinoa Salad: Mix in a variety of fresh herbs like dill, basil, thyme, and chives to the quinoa. Toss with a lemon-herb dressing for a vibrant and aromatic salad.
11. Greek-inspired Quinoa Salad: Combine quinoa with chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Dress with a Greek yogurt and lemon dressing for a creamy and tangy flavor.
12. Caprese Quinoa Salad: Add cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves to the quinoa salad. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil for a classic Caprese twist.