Description
This Quinoa Veggie Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish loaded with fresh crunchy vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and a creamy, flavorful peanut dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this salad is both healthy and satisfying with a delicious balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup edamame (cooked and shelled)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2โ3 tbsp warm water (to thin the dressing)
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let cool.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
- Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, bell pepper, cucumber, carrots, cabbage, edamame, green onions, and cilantro.
- Pour peanut dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days for meal prep.
Notes
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add ยฝ tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg