Grilled Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 zucchini, sliced lengthwise
- 1 yellow squash, sliced lengthwise
- 1 red bell pepper, halved and seeds removed
- 1 red onion, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
For the Lemon Herb Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or mint)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. Drizzle the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the vegetables on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are tender and charred.
5. Remove the grilled vegetables from the grill and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, grilled vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach or arugula.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
9. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad for added flavor.
10. Serve the grilled vegetable and quinoa salad immediately, or refrigerate it for later. Enjoy!
This vibrant and flavorful salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light and healthy meal any day of the week. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite grilled vegetables or swapping out the quinoa for another grain such as couscous or bulgur.