Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with this mouthwatering Simple Quinoa and Brown Rice Salad that's not just a dish, but a culinary adventure! Packed with nutritious grains, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will impress both health enthusiasts and flavor seekers alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Global
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa and brown rice separately under cold water to remove any excess starch and potential bitterness.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, brown rice, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 18-20 minutes until both grains are tender and have absorbed all the water.
- Once cooked, remove the grains from heat and let them rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- While the grains are cooling, dice the bell pepper into small, uniform pieces and slice the green onions thinly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Add diced bell pepper and green onions to the cooled quinoa and brown rice mixture.
- Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and distributed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Always rinse your quinoa and brown rice thoroughly to remove any bitter coating and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- Use a timer when cooking grains to achieve the perfect texture - overcooking can make them mushy, while undercooking leaves them hard and unpleasant.
- Let your grains cool slightly before adding vegetables to prevent wilting and maintain crisp textures.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting your quinoa and rice in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding water to enhance their nutty undertones.
- The vinaigrette is key - whisk it well and taste before adding to ensure a balanced dressing that complements the grains.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make it in advance for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
