What is quinoa

Quinoa is a gluten-free, whole-grain carbohydrate, as well as a whole protein.It has an incredible nutrition base. Compared with refined grains, quinoa are considered better sources of fiber, protein, B vitamins, and iron. Originated in South America, quinoa is now becoming very popular grain among health conscious people.

A lot of dishes can be made of quinoa like quinoa pilaf , salad etc. Here I am sharing a  light and refreshing salad pairs fluffy quinoa with crispy vegetables like bell peppers and some healthy boiled chick peas.

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Recipe

Preparation time: 15 min

Cooking time: 15 to 20 min

Difficulty level: Easy

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup  Quinoa
• 1/2 cup  boiled Chick peas
• 1/2 cup  multi colour Bell peppers(cut into small cubes)
• 1/2  of a red Apple(cut into small cubes)
• 1 tablespoon  chopped Coriander leaves or Parsley
• 1 teaspoon  Lemon juice (to rub the apple pieces to stop oxidize)
• 1 teaspoon  Chia seeds(optional)
• to taste  Salt

For salad dressing

• 1 tablespoon  Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon  white Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon  Soya Sauce
• 1 teaspoon  Chilli flakes
• 2 cloves  crushed Garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon  freshly crushed Black pepper
• to taste  Salt
• Lemon and Mint leaves to garnish

Step

Rinse 1/2 cup of quinoa with water. In a pan place quinoa with 1+1/2 cup of hot water.

Add salt and bring to boil.Keep flame in medium heat.

When water dries up reduce heat to low, cover and cook for about 10 minutes .

When quinoa cooks completely remove from heat, stir with a fork and keep aside to cool completely.

Cut the bell peppers and apples in small cubes. Rub lemon juice to the apple pieces so that they won’t change colour.

Also take some boiled chick peas.

For the dressing take olive oil in a mixing bowl.Add 2 cloves of crushed garlic, vinegar, chilli flakes and crushed black pepper.

Mix well and then add salt and soya sauce.Stir well and then add the prepared quinoa.

Mix with the dressing and then add other ingredients like chick peas, capsicum or bell peppers and apples.

Stir well so that everything mix homogeneously.

Add chopped coriander leaves or parsley.Mix and finally add 1 teaspoon of chia seeds.

Give a final toss and your healthy and delicious quinoa salad is ready to enjoy. Garnish with some lemon rings and mint leaves. You can happily have it as meal.