Quinoa Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: A Refreshing and Nutritious Delight

This Quinoa Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Quinoa, a protein-packed grain, is mixed with fresh, colorful vegetables and dressed with a sweet and tangy honey-lime vinaigrette. This dish is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, offering a refreshing and nutritious option that can be prepared in advance and served cold.

Ingredients:

For the salad:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed if frozen)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Honey-Lime Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons honey
Juice of 2 limes
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool completely.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the quinoa is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, yellow bell pepper, and cilantro as directed.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, yellow bell pepper, corn kernels, and chopped cilantro.
5. Dress the salad: Pour the honey-lime dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste, if needed.
6. Chill and serve: For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy the refreshing and nutritious delight!

This vibrant quinoa salad is not only easy to make but also versatile. Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables or swap the cilantro for parsley if preferred. The honey-lime dressing brings a wonderful burst of flavor that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully.