Healthy and Delicious Raw Quinoa Salad Recipe
Welcome to my recipe for a really fresh raw quinoa salad that is perfect for those following a vegan, gluten-free or raw food diet. This salad is simple to make and requires only a few fresh ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
If you are looking for a healthy and delicious meal that is easy to prepare, then this recipe is for you. Not only is it packed with protein and fiber from the quinoa, but it also contains an array of veggies and herbs that will leave you energized and satisfied.
What sets this recipe apart from others is that it uses raw, sprouted quinoa which has numerous health benefits. Unlike typical cooked quinoa which can be heavy and bland, raw quinoa is light and nutty with an appealing crunch.
I am excited to share this recipe with you as I believe it is one of the best raw vegan quinoa salad recipes out there. So let’s grab our ingredients and get started on making this healthy and tasty dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you love fresh and healthy food that can help you maintain a balanced diet? Then you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Really Fresh Raw Quinoa Salad recipe!
Not only is this salad vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, but it also packs loads of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s a raw food recipe, meaning it’s made without any processed or heated ingredients. This makes it the perfect choice for those looking to follow a raw vegan diet.
But that’s not all! This quinoa salad also features some really fresh ingredients like cilantro, lemon, green onion, English cucumbers, grape tomatoes, and much more. It’s perfect for those who want to switch up their usual salad routine with something new and exciting.
Not only is this salad delicious and satisfying, but it’s also incredibly easy to make! You can pull together all the basic ingredients in just a few minutes before work or during your lunch break. Just mix everything together in one bowl and watch your taste buds come alive!
So if you’re looking for a healthy, tasty and refreshing meal that won’t take hours to prepare or break the bank, then you definitely have to try this raw vegan quinoa salad recipe.
Ingredient List
- 2 cups sprouted or uncooked quinoa
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup English cucumber, finely diced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 small lemons (about 1/4-cup)
- Sea salt, to taste
The Recipe How-To
Time to get your apron on! We’re ready to make this really fresh, raw vegan and gluten-free quinoa salad recipe. Here’s how you can prepare it at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of sprouted quinoa
- 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Directions:
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Wash the raw quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and then transfer it to a pot.
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Add the vegetable broth and sea salt to the pot and bring everything to a boil.
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Lower the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the quinoa cook for about 10 minutes.
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After 10 minutes, turn off the heat, keep the lid on and let the pot sit for another 5-10 minutes.
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In the meantime, you can chop up all of your veggies – English cucumbers, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro – and set them aside along with halved grape or cherry tomatoes.
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Once the quinoa has finished cooking, fluff it up with a fork or spoon and let it cool down for a few more minutes.
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Add olive oil and lemon juice to quinoa, stirring well so that all of it is coated evenly.
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Toss in your veggies – diced cucumber, red bell pepper, chopped green onions, cilantro, and halved grape or cherry tomatoes into the mix.
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Give everything a good stir so that all of the ingredients are combined evenly.
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Season with additional sea salt if needed.
And voila! Your really fresh raw quinoa salad is ready to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
Do you want to spice up your Really Fresh Raw Quinoa Salad a bit? Don’t be afraid to replace or add some ingredients according to your taste! Here are a few suggestions:
– Greens: Instead of cilantro, fresh parsley, basil, or mint would work great in this recipe. You could also use spinach or arugula for a milder taste.
– Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes and English cucumbers are refreshing and colorful veggies that pair well with the quinoa. However, feel free to experiment with different textures and flavors! Raw bell peppers, grated carrots, zucchini ribbons, or sliced radishes would all be amazing in this salad.
– Protein: The sprouted quinoa already provides plenty of protein and fiber, but if you want to add some extra crunch, try tossing in some roasted chickpeas, edamame beans, or sunflower seeds.
– Dressing: The simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice is fresh and light, but you could always mix things up with a creamy tahini dressing or a spicier Thai-inspired sauce.
Remember that this salad is naturally gluten-free and vegan, so any substitutions or additions should follow that criteria if you wish to maintain a similar diet. Don’t be afraid to try out something new, as experimenting can lead to discovering interesting and delicious options that will make the dish all yours!
Serving and Pairing
One of the best things about this really fresh raw quinoa salad is how versatile it is. It makes a great lunch or light dinner on its own, but you can also serve it as a side dish to complement a heartier meal.
Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a protein-packed meal, or try serving it alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious plate. You could also mix in some boiled eggs, tofu or crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.
To make this dish even more filling, consider serving it with a side of baked sweet potato fries or gluten-free crackers. Or pair it with some garlic bread or naan bread for a carb-rich meal.
No matter how you choose to serve it, one thing is certain: This really fresh raw quinoa salad is sure to impress your taste buds with its flavors and textures, and leave you feeling satisfied and energized all day long.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Imagine you’ve just made a big batch of this really fresh raw quinoa salad and you want to keep it fresh and tasty for as long as possible. No problem! This salad is a great option for make-ahead meals and can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
To make ahead, simply cook the quinoa, chop all of the ingredients and mix them together with the simple vinaigrette dressing. You can store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
If you have any leftovers or want to prep a few days’ worth of meals, this salad also reheats well. To reheat, simply place your desired portion in a bowl and microwave it for one to two minutes.
But wait, there’s more! This salad is also a great option for meal prepping. You can divide it into meal-sized portions in individual containers or mason jars for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Just remember, if you’re planning on storing the salad for longer than 3 days, it’s best to leave out the avocado until just before serving to prevent it from getting too mushy.
Now that you know how easy it is to make-ahead, store and reheat this healthy quinoa salad recipe, there’s no excuse not to enjoy deliciously fresh food every day of the week!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want your Really Fresh Raw Quinoa Salad to be the best it can be, here are some tips to help you achieve perfection.
First, make sure you rinse the quinoa thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer. This will remove any bitter residues, leaving only the quinoa’s natural nutty flavor.
Second, don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients. Try swapping cilantro for parsley, or adding diced avocado for some extra creaminess.
Third, be sure to let the salad marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend together and create an even more delicious dish.
Fourth, if you’re using sprouted quinoa, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
Lastly, don’t skimp on the sea salt – it’ll bring out the flavors of all the fresh ingredients and really bring your salad to life. With these tips in mind, you’ll have a perfectly refreshing and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare and oh-so-tasty!
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, let’s address some frequently asked questions about this really fresh raw quinoa salad.
Can you eat quinoa on raw vegan diet?
In this recipe article, I will be showing you how to use raw quinoa in your daily meals. Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber, and is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect addition to a balanced raw vegan diet. I’ve created a tasty and uncomplicated recipe that can help you incorporate this healthy food into your meals.
How healthy is quinoa salad?
Quinoa is packed with anti-inflammatory phytonutrients that could prove to be beneficial for human health when it comes to preventing and treating diseases. Also, quinoa has a larger amount of monounsaturated fat and small amounts of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids when compared to other common cereals.
How long does homemade quinoa salad last?
You can store the quinoa salad in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Is quinoa part of raw diet?
Including whole grains like quinoa, buckwheat, and wild rice is allowed on the raw vegan diet as long as they are sprouted or germinated.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious and easy-to-make salad recipe that’s perfect for a raw vegan or gluten-free diet, then this Really Fresh Raw Quinoa Salad is definitely for you! This refreshing and flavorful salad is packed with all the protein, fiber and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and energized.
By using fresh ingredients like cilantro, lemon, English cucumbers, grape tomatoes, and sprouted quinoa, this recipe is not only delicious but also naturally gluten-free and vegan. You can even customize it to your liking by adding your favorite veggies or herbs.
So whether you’re new to the raw vegan diet or simply looking to add more healthy recipes to your repertoire, this Really Fresh Raw Quinoa Salad is sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes. It’s easy to make, delicious, and good for you – what more could you ask for? Try it out today and thank me later!
Really Fresh Raw Quinoa Salad (Raw, Vegan, Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sprouted quinoa (Make your own)
- 1/3 cup chopped organic grape tomatoes
- 1 1/2 inches peeled and chopped English cucumbers
- 1/3 green onion, chopped
- 1/4 lemon, juice of (or to taste)
- 3/4 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- sea salt (optional, but I don't think the salad is raw anymore)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Enjoy the fresh taste!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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