Healthy recipes: Quinoa Salad with Fresh Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa (any variety: white, red, black, or tri-color)
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup red cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 orange bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.

2. Prepare the vegetables: While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the orange bell pepper, avocado, and cucumber. Finely chop the red onion and fresh parsley.

3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, avocado, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.

4. Season the salad: Drizzle the salad with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss the salad to evenly coat all the ingredients.

5. Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for the flavors to meld even more. This salad tastes delicious when served cold or at room temperature.

Benefits of Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

This quinoa tabbouleh salad is more than just a tasty dish—it's packed with health benefits that make it a nutritious choice for any meal:

1. Rich in Protein:

   • Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. This makes it an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to increase their protein intake without relying on animal products.

2. High in Fiber:

   • Both quinoa and the vegetables in this salad are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps you feel full longer, supporting weight management.

3. Loaded with Antioxidants:

   • Tomatoes and bell peppers are high in antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene, which help protect your body against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

4. Heart-Healthy Fats:

   • Avocado is an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

5. Gluten-Free:

   • By using quinoa instead of bulgur, this tabbouleh is gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

6. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:

• The salad is packed with vitamins like vitamin C from the bell peppers and tomatoes, vitamin A from the avocado, and vitamin K from the parsley. It also provides essential