Rainbow Quinoa Salad with Citrus-Miso Dressing

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 1 cup rainbow quinoa

• 2 cups water or vegetable broth

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped

• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils (seeds)

• 1 avocado, sliced

 

For the Citrus-Miso Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons white miso paste

• Juice of 1 orange

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

• Salt and pepper to taste

 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Quinoa:

   • Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.

   • In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil.

   • Stir in the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

   • Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it cool to room temperature.

2. Prepare the Citrus-Miso Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white miso paste, orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, lemon zest, and honey (if using).

   • Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, purple cabbage, cilantro, and red onion.

4. Toss with Dressing:

   • Drizzle the citrus-miso dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is well coated.

5. Serve and Garnish:

   • Arrange the avocado slices on top of the salad.

   • Sprinkle with toasted almonds and pomegranate arils for added crunch and flavor.

   • Garnish with extra cilantro leaves and a touch of orange and lemon zest for a pop of color and freshness.

6. Enjoy:

   • Serve your Rainbow Quinoa Salad immediately as a vibrant and healthy main course or a delightful side dish.

 

This recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients, vibrant colors, and a zesty dressing that balances flavors beautifully. It's not only delicious but also aesthetically pleasing, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and visually appealing meal. Enjoy!