Are you on the lookout for a quick and nutritious dish that doesn’t require a culinary degree to whip up? Well, have I got a delightful surprise for you! This Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Chia Seeds is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also the perfect blend of health and happiness. Seriously, you might just find yourself falling in love with quinoa (yes, it’s more than just a trendy buzzword!). Let’s dive into this vibrant recipe that will have you feeling like a superfood superstar—with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Chia Seeds
Imagine a dish that comes together in just minutes, that’s fresh, flavorful, and is also your ticket to feeling fabulous! This quinoa salad is like a hug in a bowl; it’s light enough to keep you energized but satisfying enough to quell those mid-afternoon cravings. Plus, who wouldn’t want to sprinkle a little chia magic for that extra boost? Give me all the health benefits, am I right?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ensemble for this star-studded salad. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth (yes, broth adds a lovely depth!)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced (the star of the show!)
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup cucumber, chopped (for that refreshing crunch)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (hello, tiny health powerhouses!)
- Juice of 1 lemon (because nobody wants a bland salad!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Quick Steps to Flavor Town
Alright, let’s get those ingredients dancing together!
- Rinse the Quinoa: Start by rinsing your quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer. This removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste a bit bitter. So, don’t skip this step!
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water (or vegetable broth if you want to take it to the next level). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water has absorbed. Pro tip: Fluff it with a fork when it’s done!
- Prep Your Veggies: While the quinoa is cooking, chop the avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. This is a great time to chat with your avocado—trust me, it makes it taste a little bit better!
- Mix it Up: Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, toss it in a mixing bowl with the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, and chia seeds.
- Dress It Up: Squeeze the lemon juice over your salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good toss, and voila! You have yourself a vibrant, tasty quinoa salad!
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Fear the Chia: If you’ve never worked with chia seeds before, fear not! They’ll add a nice crunch to your salad and deliver an impressive dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, they’re fun to say—say it with me: “chia!”
- Get Creative: This salad is super customizable! Toss in whatever veggies you have on hand, or even throw in some black beans for extra protein. It’s like a clean-out-your-fridge mission—and who doesn’t love a good multitasking meal?
A Personal Anecdote
This quinoa salad became my go-to dish for summer picnics after my kids declared it “the salad that doesn’t taste like salad.” (Who knew that was even a thing?) Now, whenever I need something quick, satisfying, and colorful, this delightful mix comes to my rescue!
FAQs About Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Chia Seeds
Can I substitute quinoa with another grain?
Absolutely! If quinoa isn’t your jam, feel free to swap it with bulgur, farro, or even brown rice. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
How can I store leftovers?
This salad stays fresh in an airtight container for about 2-3 days. Just be careful with the avocado—it might brown a bit, but it’s still perfectly safe to eat!
What else can I add to this salad?
Feel free to jazz it up with some feta cheese, olives, or even nuts for added texture and flavor. The sky’s the limit!
With your new Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Chia Seeds in tow, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle anything from quick lunches to elegant dinner parties. And who knows? It might just inspire you to explore more wholesome options! So grab your apron and let’s whip up some joy together!
This delightful dish is your ticket to tasty, healthful eating. Give it a try and celebrate all the flavors and textures that make food such a joy to share. Check out more delicious recipes
Avocado and Smoked Salmon Salad with Feta and Walnuts
or
Strawberry cucumber salad
to keep your culinary adventure alive!
Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Chia Seeds
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A quick and nutritious quinoa salad that combines creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables, and tiny powerhouse chia seeds for a healthy delight.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup cucumber, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
- While the quinoa is cooking, chop the avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, toss it in a mixing bowl with the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, and chia seeds.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine.
Notes
This salad is customizable; feel free to add other veggies or proteins as you like. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg