Chilled Quinoa & Veggie Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
| Yield: 4 servings | Time: 40 minutes active; 20 minutes passive |
Ingredients
Quinoa salad
1 cup dry quinoa
2 small zucchinis, cut into ½ inch think half-moons
2 red bell peppers, diced medium (about ½ inch)
¼ cup vegetable oil 1 cucumber, cut into ¼ inch thick quarter-moons
1 small red onion, diced small (about ¼ inch)
1 15.5-ounce can chickpeas, drained
4 ounces feta cheese or vegan feta (try this tofu feta!)
salt and pepper to taste
Lemon-herb vinaigrette
3 cloves whole garlic
1 bunch mint, roughly chopped
1 bunch parsley, roughly chopped, stems included
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
zest and juice of 2 lemons
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
¾ cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
For the quinoa salad
Preheat the oven to 425F. Steam the quinoa according to the instructions on the packaging, season with a pinch of salt, and chill for 15-20 minutes.
Toss the peppers and zucchini and with the oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Lay out onto two separate sheet pans and roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the veggies are soft and slightly charred. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature.
Once the quinoa is chilled, pour into a large bowl and mix with the roasted veggies, the cucumber, red onion, chickpeas, feta, and vinaigrette. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
*Note: Can also be served warm if desired
For the lemon-herb vinaigrette
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper and combine with the quinoa salad.
Zero-waste tips
• Feel free to roast off any other veggies you have on hand, such as carrots, cauliflower, or mushrooms and add them to the salad.
• Save the liquid from the can of chickpeas to take the place of whipped egg whites in these coconut macaroons or other baked goods!