Cold Quinoa Rainbow Bowl

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is often referred to as a superfood for good reason. This gluten-free grain is packed with essential nutrients that provide a strong foundation for a healthy diet. Here’s a closer look at what makes quinoa so special:

Discover the vibrant and nutritious Rainbow Delight Quinoa Bowl, a celebration of color and health! This dish features quinoa as a protein-packed base, complemented by an array of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. With optional toppings like avocado and feta, it's perfect for any meal. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this bowl not only delights the palate but also nourishes the body, making it a fantastic addition to your dining repertoire. Get ready to impress your guests with this deliciously wholesome recipe!

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Ingredients

1 cup quinoa

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup mixed bell peppers ( red, yellow, and green), diced

1 cup corn (fresh off the cob or frozen and thawed)

1 ripe avocado, sliced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Optional toppings: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds for added crunch

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa: Thoroughly rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Once cooked, the quinoa should be fluffy and have absorbed all the liquid. Remove it from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice if desired for balance.

Assemble the Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, mixed bell peppers, corn, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley or cilantro. Gently mix to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.

Serve: Divide the colorful quinoa salad into individual serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese (if using), and a sprinkle of your selected seeds for added texture and crunch.

Enjoy: Serve the Rainbow Delight Quinoa Bowl chilled or at room temperature, making it an ideal choice for a refresher during lunch or a vibrant dinner option!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, layer the ingredients in the bowl so the colorful veggies are visible. Drizzle a little extra olive oil or lemon juice over the top and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs.