Zesty Quinoa Salad for Summer BBQs

Zesty Quinoa Salad for Summer BBQs

As the sun graces us with its warm embrace, there's no better time to fire up the grill and gather friends and family for a summer BBQ. Complement your smoky, grilled favorites with a fresh and vibrant addition: a zesty quinoa salad. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• **Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method

1. Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Let it cool.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. If using fresh corn, you can grill it lightly for extra flavor before cutting the kernels off the cob.

3. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, corn, parsley, cilantro, and feta cheese.

4. 

   Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, cumin, salt, and pepper.

5. Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss until everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Refrigerate for about an hour to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

Nutritional Value

Quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a complete source of protein with all nine essential amino acids. This salad is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and iron. The fresh vegetables add a burst of antioxidants, while the feta cheese provides calcium and a touch of creaminess.

Best Pairings

This zesty quinoa salad pairs beautifully with a variety of BBQ staples. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a balanced meal. For vegetarians, grilled portobello mushrooms or zucchini complement the salad wonderfully. Refresh your guests with a chilled glass of white sangria or a citrus-infused sparkling water, making every bite and sip a delightful taste of summer.

Enjoy your summer BBQs with this vibrant and nutritious salad that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy!