Quinoa & Avocado Healthy Salad

⏱ Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 12–15 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 1 cup quinoa (white or tricolor)

• 1 ripe avocado

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• ½ cucumber

• ¼ red onion

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (or cilantro)

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the quinoa

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove bitterness.

2. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.

3. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes until the water is absorbed.

4. Remove from heat, keep covered for 5 minutes.

5. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

2️⃣ Prepare the vegetables

• Dice the avocado.

• Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.

• Dice the cucumber.

• Finely chop the red onion.

• Chop the fresh parsley.

3️⃣ Assemble the salad

1. Add the cooled quinoa to a large bowl.

2. Add all the vegetables.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

4. Season with salt and black pepper.

5. Gently mix to avoid smashing the avocado.

✅ Health Benefits

• Quinoa: high in plant-based protein and fiber

• Avocado: rich in healthy fats that support heart health

• Fresh vegetables: full of vitamins and antioxidants

• Olive oil & lemon: anti-inflammatory and digestion-friendly

💡 Tips & Variations

• Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein

• Add feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist

• Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours