Quinoa is a superfood that is high in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. It’s a great alternative to rice or pasta, as it’s gluten-free and packs a lot of nutritional benefits.

In this recipe, we’ll be making a delicious Quinoa Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing that’s perfect for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/3 cup honey mustard dressing
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the quinoa is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced red and yellow bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey mustard dressing, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
Refrigerate the quinoa salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.

Variations

This Quinoa Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking. Here are some variations to try:.

: Vegetable Variations

Try adding diced cucumber or shredded carrots for some extra crunch.
Add some roasted sweet potato cubes to the mix for a heartier salad.
Swap out the cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.

: Protein Variations

Add some cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for some added protein.
Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese or sliced avocado for some healthy fats.
Try adding roasted chickpeas or black beans for some plant-based protein.

Health Benefits

This Quinoa Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Here are some of the health benefits you can expect from this dish:.

: Quinoa

High in protein and fiber, which can help keep you full and satisfied for longer.
Contains essential amino acids, which your body needs to repair and build muscle tissue.
Low glycemic index, which can help keep your blood sugar levels stable.

: Vegetables

High in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.
Low in calories, which can help with weight loss and management.
Contain fiber, which can aid in digestion and keep you feeling full and satisfied.

: Honey Mustard Dressing

Made with natural sweeteners like honey, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
High in heart-healthy fats from olive oil.
Contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Conclusion

This Quinoa Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, it’s a great way to fuel your body and keep you satisfied throughout the day. Feel free to customize the salad to your liking, adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, and enjoy the many health benefits it has to offer.