Refreshing Green Goddess Quinoa Salad Recipe for Summer

Catch your senses with the vibrant colors and fresh aromas of this Green Goddess Quinoa Salad, a dish that dances on your palate like a summer breeze. Picture crisp cucumbers mingling with creamy avocados, all draped in a luscious herb dressing that whispers secrets of gardens and sunshine.

Remember those lazy picnic afternoons when food tasted better under the open sky? This salad captures that spirit, making it the perfect companion for any gathering or solo lunch escapade. Dive into this flavor adventure—your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients for Green Goddess Quinoa Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Quinoa: Use about 1 cup of rinsed quinoa for a fluffy base packed with protein and fiber.
• Cucumbers: Fresh and crunchy, diced cucumbers add crispness; choose firm ones for the best texture.
• Avocado: One ripe avocado brings creaminess; look for one that gives slightly when pressed.
• Cherry Tomatoes: About a cup of halved cherry tomatoes adds sweetness and color; opt for vibrant red or yellow varieties.
• Fresh Herbs: A mix of parsley and chives gives the salad its herbal essence; ensure they are bright green and fragrant.

For the Dressing:

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice from one lemon adds brightness; avoid bottled varieties for optimal flavor.
• Olive Oil: Use about three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for richness; choose high-quality oil for the best taste.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A teaspoon of honey (or maple syrup) balances acidity with sweetness; adjust to taste.
• Agar-Agar Powder: Use as needed if you prefer a thicker dressing; it’s plant-based and works wonders in emulsifying.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Green Goddess Quinoa Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Begin by rinsing one cup of quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with two cups of water. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce it to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork and let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While your quinoa cools, chop up your veggies. Dice one cucumber into bite-sized pieces, halve one cup of cherry tomatoes, and scoop out your ripe avocado before slicing it into cubes. Toss these colorful beauties together in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Mix Up That Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup, and if desired, sprinkle some agar-agar powder to thicken things up. Taste test—add more sweetener or lemon juice if you fancy!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once your quinoa has cooled down (you don’t want warm quinoa turning your avocado brown), add it to the bowl with vegetables. Pour over that zesty dressing you just created. Stir gently but thoroughly so every morsel gets coated in that goddess goodness.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

This is crucial because not all salads are created equal! Take a moment to taste your creation. Does it need more salt? Another drizzle of olive oil? Go wild! Adjust those flavors until it sings harmony on your palate.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer this beautiful salad onto serving plates or keep it in the mixing bowl for family-style serving. Garnish with additional herbs or even some nuts if you’re feeling extra fancy!

Serve chilled or at room temperature—it’s great both ways!

This Green Goddess Quinoa Salad isn’t just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen! Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself after a long day, this vibrant dish will leave everyone (including you) wanting more! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by cooking the quinoa. While it’s simmering, chop your veggies and whip up the Green Goddess dressing. Toss everything together once the quinoa cools for a colorful masterpiece.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this salad! Swap out cucumbers for bell peppers or add some shredded carrots for extra crunch. You can also try different nuts or seeds for added texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Green Goddess Quinoa Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To refresh, simply add a splash of lemon juice before serving to revive those flavors.

I remember the first time I served this salad at a family gathering. Everyone was diving in for seconds, and my cousin even asked if I could make it part of our holiday tradition!

FAQs:

What is a Green Goddess Quinoa Salad?

Green Goddess Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and a creamy green dressing. The salad typically includes ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, avocados, and greens topped with a dressing made from herbs such as parsley and basil, along with lemon juice and tahini. This salad is not only delicious but also filling and perfect for meal prep or as a side dish.

How can I customize my Green Goddess Quinoa Salad?

You can easily customize your Green Goddess Quinoa Salad by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Consider including grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor. You could also add fruits like apples or berries for a sweet twist. Adjust the dressing ingredients to match your taste preferences; adding more herbs or using lime juice instead of lemon can create a different flavor profile.

Can I make the Green Goddess dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Green Goddess dressing in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time. When ready to serve, give it a good stir as it may thicken slightly when chilled. Having the dressing ready will make assembling your salad quick and easy.

Is Green Goddess Quinoa Salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Green Goddess Quinoa Salad is an excellent choice for meal prep due to its hearty ingredients. Make a large batch at the beginning of the week and portion it into containers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness and crunch in your salad.

Conclusion for Green Goddess Quinoa Salad:

In summary, Green Goddess Quinoa Salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures while being highly nutritious. With customizable options and an easy-to-make dressing, this salad serves as a perfect addition to any meal plan. Enjoy this refreshing dish any time you’re looking for something light yet satisfying. Whether enjoyed fresh or meal-prepped, this salad is sure to please everyone at your table!

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Green Goddess Quinoa Salad

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Experience a burst of freshness with this vibrant Green Goddess Quinoa Salad. This colorful dish combines fluffy quinoa, crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocados, and sweet cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty herb dressing. Perfect for picnics, meal prep, or as a stunning side at dinner parties, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
• 1 medium cucumber (diced)
• 1 ripe avocado (cubed)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Optional: Agar-agar powder to thicken dressing

Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water and cook with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
2. While quinoa cools, chop cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, and cube avocado. Combine vegetables in a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey/maple syrup, and agar-agar if desired.
4. Once quinoa is cool, add it to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over. Toss gently until well combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving chilled or at room temperature.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Customize by adding proteins like grilled chicken or beans for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; revive flavors with a splash of lemon juice before serving.