๐๐ซ๐๐๐ค ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ง๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ฅ
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1ยฝ cups water
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
- โ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ยผ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 TBSP apple cider vinegar
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 TBSP fresh parsley
TASTY EXTRAS:
- Hummus
- Pita wedges
- Olives
- Fresh tomatoes
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- First rinse and drain your quinoa using a mesh strainer or sieve.
- Bring a medium saucepan to medium heat and lightly toast the quinoa to remove any excess water. Stir as it toasts for just a few minutes. This step is optional but really adds to the nuttiness and fluff factor of the quinoa!
- Next add your water, set burner to high, and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered with the lid slightly ajar, for 12-13 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed.
- While the quinoa cooks, chop and prep the remaining ingredients and whisk together your dressing ingredients.
- Snag your now-fluffy quinoa from the pot and give it a little fluff with a fork.
- For a chilled salad, you can pop the quinoa in the fridge for a few minutes prior to adding your veggies or simply let it cool on the countertop for a few minutes for a room temperature quinoa bowl. Totally up to you!
- For the super simple vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour over your quinoa bowl and toss with a pair of forks or salad servers and dig in.
- Add any additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
Notes:
- For a speedy salad, do all your prepwork while your quinoa cooks. This way you’ll only have one ridiculously step left after your quinoa is fluffy and ready to go. This salad can be made in advance to enjoy for weekday lunches or as a side dish for dinner. It’s great room temperature and also wonderful chilled, so feel free to enjoy either way! As written, the recipe makes two entree-sized quinoa bowls or four side dishes. Feel free to double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd!
