5 Simple Clean Eating Meal Picks

Why Make This Recipe

Clean eating is all about nourishing your body with whole foods. These meals focus on using fresh, natural ingredients that provide essential nutrients. In this collection, we feature five simple recipes that are perfect for anyone looking to eat cleaner and feel better. Each recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making them great choices for meals any day of the week.

How to Make Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
2. Once the quinoa is cooked, let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss everything together.

How to Serve Quinoa Salad

You can serve the quinoa salad as a main dish or as a side. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. For added flavor, top with some feta cheese or avocado.

How to Store Quinoa Salad

Store any leftover quinoa salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 days.

Tips to Make Quinoa Salad

• Make sure to rinse the quinoa well to remove any bitterness.
• Feel free to add or swap in your favorite vegetables.
• For protein, add black beans or chickpeas.

Variations

You can change this salad by adding roasted vegetables, nuts, or seeds for extra crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

2. Is quinoa gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is gluten-free and is a great option for those with gluten sensitivity.

3. Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! You can use brown rice, farro, or any other grain you like. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Quinoa Salad

A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, perfect for a healthy meal any day of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Healthy, Mediterranean

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Quinoa Base

• 1 cup quinoa Rinsed well to remove bitterness
• 2 cups water For cooking quinoa

Vegetables

• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Dressing

• 1 juice of lemon Freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Cooking Quinoa

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add the quinoa and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
4. Once the quinoa is cooked, let it cool slightly.

Mixing Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss everything together.

Notes

Store any leftover quinoa salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. For added flavor, top with feta cheese or avocado.