Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied and craving more? Prepare to be amazed by the Quinoa and Avocado Chimichurri Salad - a culinary masterpiece that's not just a meal, but a flavor explosion waiting to happen! This isn't just another recipe; it's a nutritional powerhouse packed with vibrant herbs, creamy avocado, and protein-rich quinoa that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. Perfect for food lovers, health enthusiasts, and anyone looking to transform their lunch routine from mundane to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Fusion
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Quinoa, rinsed
- Vegetable broth
- Avocado, diced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitter saponin coating. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with vegetable broth at a 1:2 ratio. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa cooks, prepare the chimichurri by combining chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil in a small bowl. Whisk ingredients together and season with salt and pepper.
- Once quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and let cool for 5-7 minutes. Fluff with a fork to separate grains and prevent clumping.
- Dice ripe avocados into small, uniform cubes. Gently fold avocado into the cooled quinoa to prevent mashing.
- Drizzle prepared chimichurri over the quinoa and avocado mixture, tossing gently to ensure even distribution of herbs and dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding additional salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed for balanced flavor profile.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Quinoa Rinsing Secret: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural bitter coating called saponin. This ensures a clean, nutty flavor.
- Broth Matters: Use high-quality vegetable broth for deeper flavor infusion into the quinoa.
- Avocado Timing: Add diced avocado just before serving to maintain its fresh texture and prevent browning.
- Herb Freshness: Use freshly chopped herbs for maximum flavor and aroma - dried herbs simply can't compare!
- Chimichurri Pro Tip: Let the chimichurri sit for 10-15 minutes before adding to the salad to allow flavors to meld together.
- Temperature Trick: This salad is versatile - serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled for different flavor experiences.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare quinoa and chimichurri separately in advance for quick assembly when hunger strikes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 124kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
