According to the described criteria of a perfect meal: maximization of the use values, and minimization of efforts and costs, Costco quinoa salad seems to be the most appropriate. This Costco quinoa salad recipe consists of quinoa thus turning out to be a great source of protein and is accompanied by a colorful mix of vegetables, all dressed up in a tangy dressing. Depending on what you are in the mood for with the Costco quinoa salad, it can work as a lunch, a dinner, or even an appetizer or side dish alongside your preferred entree.
What Makes Costco Quinoa Salad Special?
The best about Costco quinoa salad is that it is easygoing and good for your figure due to use of healthy products. Quinoa is the main ingredient of this salad; it is well known as a superfood with a high content of protein and essential amino acids. It is a quality protein with all the essential amino acids, suitable for vegetarians and for persons who desire to increase their protein intake for bodybuilding. However, it is imperative to note that Costco quinoa salad is rich, healthy, and wholesome serving nutrients that are essential in the diet plan of any individual.
Ingredients that Shine in Costco Quinoa Salad
Thus, when preparing the Costco quinoa salad, the type of used ingredients proves to be quite important. This recipe begins with 1 cup of quinoa, cooked to a fluffy, tender consistency and allowed to cool. There are always cherry tomatoes that are cut in the ref, diced cucumber, cuts of bell pepper, sliced red onions, and sliced black olives to provide varieties of colors and textures with each bite out of it. The feta cheese blended in with the dish provides a creaminess to the pasta along with a rich, tangy flavor to it and the fresh parsley provides an added refreshing factor to the dish.
Using extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and dried oregano as the dressing gives this dish a tart and slightly sweet taste which goes well with the quinoa and the vegetables. On the same note, this dressing revives the taste of the Costco quinoa salad while also adding depth to it.
Customization and Versatility
Although it was only introduced as a quinoa salad from Costco, the following must be noted concerning creativeness as per versatility: Instead, it is a fairly straightforward dish, yet there is a huge potential for creativity regarding this particular meal. More layers of flavors imply that avocados, or chickpeas, should be incorporated when cooking the dish. To this salad above stated ingredients can be added while preparing the salad and they simply make the salad even more … the more satisfying. A perfect addition that one can use is fresh mint; this will introduce a new flavor to the Costco quinoa salad.
Preparation Tips
The preparation of the Costco quinoa salad does not result in complexity and is very simple to perform. First, the quinoa should be washed then it is cooked so that it attains a soft consistency. The addition of quinoa should not be poured hot on the vegetables as this will make the salad wet. To facilitate, the dressing shown here can be multiplied or varied as desired; therefore, adjust the quantity of lemon juice and balsamic vinegar according to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Consequently, about the serving of the Costco quinoa salad, the product is very versatile. It is thus appropriate to be taken with a piece of bread as it’s a main dish but can also be taken alongside barbeque meats/fish dishes as a relish. Whether you are in the mood to have a Summers Barbecue or you are grabbing your tools and need something quick and easy the Costco quinoa salad indeed holds up to the hype.
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Healthy Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe You Can Make at Home
Description
This Costco quinoa salad is quite simple, tasty, and nutritious, still containing quinoa and vegetables, all steeped in a zesty dressing. Best advised to be prepared for a lunch meal, or early evening meal if not a dinner meal.
Ingredients
Optional Ingredients:
Instructions
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Cook the Quinoa:
Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
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Prepare the Vegetables:
While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and slice the black olives. If using, dice the avocado and rinse the chickpeas.
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Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
If using, add the diced avocado and chickpeas.
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Add Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine. Add chopped fresh parsley and toss again.
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Serve:
Serve the Costco quinoa salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy as a side dish or a main course!
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 11g17%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 0.01mg1%
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 3.5g
- Protein 8g16%
- Vitamin A 1560 IU
- Vitamin C 40 mg
- Calcium 47 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- You can adjust the amount of lemon juice and balsamic vinegar to suit your taste.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or tofu.
