Introduction
A salad that’s both hearty and vibrant can be the perfect centerpiece for any meal. Lina Vexley’s Vibrant Hearty Salad offers a refreshing combination of fresh greens, hearty grains, and a rainbow of colorful vegetables, making it a satisfying dish that works well for lunch, dinner, or even as a side at a gathering. Packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, this salad is as nutritious as it is visually stunning. With a tangy dressing that ties all the elements together, this dish will leave you feeling nourished and energized, while the medley of textures and flavors creates a delightful eating experience.
Recipe
Vibrant Hearty Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa cooked
- 4 cups Mixed greens
- 1 large Carrot shredded
- 1 large Red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 medium Cucumber diced
- 1 medium Avocado sliced
- 1 can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, mixed greens, shredded carrot, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced avocado.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make the Recipe
To create the Vibrant Hearty Salad, start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions. Quinoa serves as the base of this salad, offering protein and fiber. Once cooked, let it cool to room temperature.
While the quinoa cools, prepare the fresh vegetables. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded carrot, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced avocado. These colorful vegetables add texture and nutrients, making the salad not only tasty but also visually appealing.
Next, open a can of chickpeas, drain, and rinse them thoroughly. Add the chickpeas to the salad for added protein and fiber.
To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This simple, tangy dressing ties all the ingredients together with a burst of freshness.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. The quinoa will absorb some of the dressing, making each bite flavorful. You can serve the salad immediately, or for more developed flavors, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before serving.
This hearty salad is perfect on its own or as a side dish. If you want to add more protein, consider topping it with grilled chicken, nuts, or seeds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Vibrant Hearty Salad is the perfect balance of freshness, color, and nutrition. With its combination of hearty quinoa, protein-packed chickpeas, and a variety of vibrant vegetables, this salad is both satisfying and healthy. The tangy lemon dressing enhances the natural flavors, making it a dish you can enjoy any time of the year. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone looking for a nourishing and flavorful meal.