Detox Quinoa Salad
I’m not a huge fan of the word “detox” because these days it’s often associated with starvation, juice fasts, exhausting workouts, and even colonics! Our bodies were created to naturally detox (thank you liver, kidneys & intestines!) so going to extreme measures just isn’t necessary.
But sometimes we fall off the healthy eating bandwagon, skip the gym too much, and party a little too hard. Times like these call for a clean eating overhaul! Whenever I’ve indulged too much, I immediately reach for my quinoa salad.
Quinoa is one of my favorite foods because of it’s filling nature, high protein content, and great taste. It won’t weigh you down like other carbs can, but will leave you satisfied nonetheless! Even if you’re not a chef, quinoa is easy to make and great for any meal. This simple salad made of veggies, fruit, and quinoa, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice is the perfect get-back-on-track meal…here’s why:
- Good combination of complex carbs and protein to keep you full, without the stress of digesting gluten (whether you’re allergic or not) or spiking your blood sugar.
- Water-filled produce is refreshing and packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Monounsaturated fats, from olive oil, are heart-healthy and will keep your cholesterol levels from spiking.
- Per serving, this salad contains 20-25% of your daily recommended fiber intake.
- You can eat a large portion for minimal calories, while reaping all of these benefits!
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- 1 ½ cups cucumbers, chopped
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped (or to taste)
- ½ cup edamame, shelled
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½-1 tbsp lemon juice (or to taste)
- Optional: ½ green apple, chopped
- Prepare quinoa according to package directions (I like to add a dash of salt to boiling water) and let cool. (Note: I usually prepare ½ cup uncooked quinoa, which makes over a cup of cooked quinoa, so I save the remainder in a small container for other recipes.)
- Chop all vegetables (and apple) and combine in medium bowl. Add quinoa, edamame, and spices. Dress salad in olive oil and lemon juice, mixing well.
- Let refrigerate for minimum of 1 hour before enjoying!
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Thanks for sharing this recipe.
You’re welcome! More to come!