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Quinoa has become one of my favourite products. Besides all the health benefits that I will list below, it is so easy to cook and can be incorporated into a gazillion of vegan meals. I often make this vegan quinoa salad with herbs early in the morning when I have no food leftovers to take for lunch at work.
It is awesomely refreshing and seriously delicious.
And I am not saying it just for the sake of saying it.
It is really yummy!
And I recommend making the salad the day you intend eating it. I made it once in the evening and stored it in the fridge. The taste was great, but the herbs became darker and didn’t look very fresh. Alternatively, you can cook quinoa the night before, and add the chopped herbs in the morning 😉
If you like your food not only taste great but look awesome as well (I am a very visual person), you might want to eat it the same day you make it 😉
By the way, quinoa was one of the products (similar to hummus) that I didn’t “get it” first. But playing with it and trying new combinations, I can honestly say now, it is a must-have product in your vegan pantry!
It is not cheap. So if you see it on sale, just grab as many packages, as you can afford to buy at that very moment, and enjoy great meals for a looooong period of time 🙂
Quick and easy way to cook quinoa
I use a small frying pan to cook it. Just turn the heat on high and add quinoa to the pan. I like letting it “fry” for a minute or two, stirring it occasionally, but you don’t have to. Add water (or vegetable broth if you have it handy), cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low when you see the first bubbles. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.
No need to mix it.
No need to add salt, oil, or anything else.
Just water and quinoa.
So far so good?
Easy Vegan Quinoa Salad with Herbs
While quinoa is cooking, chop the herbs.
When quinoa is ready, add salt and pepper, lemon or your favourite flavoured vinegar, oil of choice (I usually use either avocado or olive oil) and stir.
In a bowl, add quinoa, herbs and seeds, and stir again.
All done!
Many times, when I don’t have dinner leftovers to take to work for lunch, I would make this quick and easy recipe in the morning while having my breakfast 😉
Yes, it is that easy and quick!
You can even call it a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad if you want to sound fancy and make it for your friends when they come over 🙂
Vegan Quinoa Salad with Herbs
Equipment
- small frying pan or pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 + 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup chopped mint
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley or cilantro can use both too
- 2 - 3 leaves basil chop
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds raw or roasted
- 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or flavoured vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small frying pan or a small pot, add quinoa and "fry" it dry for a minute or two stirring occasionally.
- You can skip frying is you are short on time and just add water or broth. Bring it to a boil on high heat, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 12 - 15 minutes.
- While quinoa is cooking, chop the herbs.
- When quinoa is done, add salt and pepper, oil and lemon juice or flavoured vinegar, and stir.
- In a bowl, mix quinoa with herbs.
- Enjoy!
Nutritional Benefits of Quinoa
One of the important benefits of quinoa is that it is gluten-free. If you are celiac or are trying to reduce the amount of gluten in your diet, it is a great product to add to your weekly menu.
1 cup of cooked quinoa contains 7.99 g of protein (16%), 40 g good carbs (13%), 5 g of fat (8%), about 5 g of fiber (20%), 17.4 mg vitamin C (29%!) and only 220 cal (source).
It will fill you up fast, which is great if you are trying to lose weight.
It doesn’t cause bloating.
And, when cooked properly and seasoned with herbs, lemon juice or flavoured vinegar, it is delish!
Where to buy quinoa?
You can find it in your local grocery store or online. We usually buy it at Costco, as their packages are bigger, and they have it on sale once in a while. Alternatively, you can buy it on Amazon (affiliate link)
So, are you ready to try and make it?
You are welcome 🙂
Remember to share this vegan quinoa salad with herbs recipe with your friends. You will make my day if you do 😉
You can also join my closed Facebook group to get more tips on fitness and nutrition. The group is for the girls (only) of all ages. We can share our success stories and seek advice from each other there.
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