Deliciously Ella’s Middle Eastern-inspired salad

Deliciously Ella’s Middle Eastern-inspired Salad

This Middle Eastern-inspired salad by Deliciously Ella is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish to complement your main course. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout dish that is both healthy and satisfying.

Serving Size and Yield

Serves approximately 4 people.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion.
3. Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
4. Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve the salad: Transfer the salad to a serving platter and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, if using. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Additional Notes

For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative. You can also add a handful of toasted pine nuts or almonds for extra crunch.

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving: Calories: 250, Fat: 14g, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 6g, Fiber: 5g

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