It's Salad day today! It is time to incorporate a light dinner-quinoa salad with pantry-stable ingredients. It's a pack of flavors with layers of taste. The lemon juice, fresh cilantro, and the chili peppers make all the difference that you crave for more.
I'm off late, but I'm trying to make dinners super easy with as simple ingredients as we can in this busy world. This Indian-style spicy quinoa salad is one of a kind. I call this salad Indian because of the combination of tastes. But the recipe and its ingredients are universal and available everywhere; almost everyone will love them.
The good part? This light Indian quinoa salad is not loaded with fat. All it requires are fresh vegetables-yes garden fresh vegetables make it heaven.
This Indian quinoa salad recipe is a pleasant twist to our Mango cucumber salad, our all-time favorite, as it is appreciated and approved by both grown-ups and children. Both recipes require just a few minutes to put it all together. And the process is so simple that you can instruct someone in your family on your way home.
Or you can supervise your children while they make a delightful dinner. When you enjoy Indian-style salad recipes, this recipe is all yours; try making numerous recipes—the sky is the limit.
Other Quinoa recipes
I find this filling and love having both as a dinner or a side dish at a party. Suppose you prefer to combine this spicy salad with some lean protein. A heartful comfort food is ready without stressing much in the kitchen.
The vegetables in this recipe play well with the lemon juice and the cilantro. I have tried this blend multiple times and have always been successful with excellent taste. These elements gracefully complement one another and, perhaps, do not require anything extra to spice up more.
A little about Indian Quinoa salad
Do not conclude based on the title. This spicy quinoa recipe uses global ingredients that are available at regular grocery stores in the United States.
The word 'Indian' was added to the title because it describes how Indian salad tastes, with all its natural, simple flavors and taste. Indian salad does not require cheese or vinaigrette.
I would call this a fusion recipe, as quinoa is new to Indian cooking.
How to make Indian Quinoa salad
I'm embracing salads these days; they help my tummy feel light and fabulous. I could not resist sharing this filling recipe.
The ingredients.
Quinoa. The primary ingredient. The mildness of the quinoa and the citrusy lemon intensifies the flavor of the cucumber and carrot here. Both red and white quinoa work perfectly here. The quinoa is coated with bitterness, naturally. Rinse multiple times to avoid tasting bitter. Soaking the grain for 10 minutes and then rinsing will also help to overcome this issue.
Cucumber. I can never imagine serving any Indian salad recipe without cucumber. It adds a nice crunchy texture. Any cucumber, including English-Persian cucumbers, tastes excellent here. It makes the salad refreshing and energetic.
Carrot. Another excellent ingredient to pair with the cucumber and lemon juice. The sweetness glorifies the salad and excellently performs well with quinoa. If children are against using them? No worries, grate them before adding to this Indian quinoa salad.
Lemon. After quinoa, lemon is the second important element here. Lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice. If you do not have these two, postpone making this salad to avoid disappointment.
Garden Radish. Using them is optional; I used them as I have them in my refrigerator. Furthermore, it adds color to the salad and provides an appetitive look.
Cilantro. Another secret weapon is to bring the Indian flavor to the salad. I would highly recommend using this, as it makes the dish delightful.
Green chili pepper. Adjust the quantity according to individual preference. Deseed them before adding will bring down its hotness.
The Directions.
- Rinse quinoa until the water is clear.
- Bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. Stir in quinoa.
- Simmer the flame and close the lid.
- And cook for 18-20 minutes. Stir in occasionally to avoid any burnt bottom.
- Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Peel the carrots and slice them.
- Slice the cucumber, radish, tomato.
- Add cooked quinoa, cucumber, tomato, carrot, radish, and green chili pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Add salt and lemon juice.
- Combine all the ingredients and serve immediately.
What to serve with Indian quinoa salad
- Indian salmon curry
- Cedar plank grilled salmon
- Hawaiian shrimp
- Garlic pepper shrimp
- Tandoori grilled chicken breast
The recipe variations for Indian-style quinoa salad
Chicken. Add grilled or shredded chicken to make this Indian quinoa salad protein-rich and complete dinner.
Paneer. Paneer is the Indian cottage cheese, which is protein-rich, creamy, and delicious. Add them as fried or grilled. This oven-baked paneer tikka would be an excellent choice for this ingredient.
Chickpea. Chickpea is the vegan protein choice.
Tofu. Another vegan addition to enhance the salad.
Extra-veggies. Add choices of vegetables according to availability and preference.
Make ahead and storing ideas.
Make ahead. Cook quinoa ahead of time to prepare dinner in less time. Quinoa stays good when stored in an airtight container for a week. Shop the veggies and keep them separately. Combine everything just before serving Indian quinoa salad.
To store. Store the leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a day.
Reheat. Microwave for reheating. Too much heat potentially spoils the texture and taste of the veggies.
Other salad recipes you may like,
Printable recipe card
Indian quinoa salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup tomato chopped
- 1 cup cucumber chopped
- ½ cup carrot chopped
- ½ cup radish chopped
- 1 green chili pepper green chili
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa until water is seen clear.
- Over medium heat, in a saucepan add water. Allow it to boil.
- When it is rolling boil, add quinoa and close the lid.
- Turn to low heat, and cook for 18-20 minutes. Do stir in between.
- Then remove it from the heat, and allow it to cool down to room temperature.
- In a mixing bowl, add cooked quinoa, tomato, cucumber, carrot, radish, green chili pepper, lemon juice, and salt.
- Combine all the ingredients together and serve immediately.
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It was nice to go through your post. Thanks for sharing the recipe here. Keep up the good work.
Nic
Yummm this Quinoa Salad is some of the best I've ever had. great recipe.
kushigalu
How colorful and refreshing is this salad recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Tara
Oh yum! I love how easily this salad comes together with pantry staples. Such a beautiful use of color too.
Andrea
This was so good! The whole family enjoyed this fresh salad. We loved the combination of ingredients. We used fresh tomatoes and cucumbers in our garden!
Anita
This salad is very refreshing and a great way to enjoy more quinoa in our diet.