Jamie Oliver Quinoa Salad is made with water, quinoa, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, salt, red pepper flakes, cherry tomatoes, black beans, green onions, and fresh cilantro. This easy and mediterranean Quinoa Salad recipe creates a cold salad for summer that takes about 25 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.
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💚 Why You’ll Love This Quinoa Salad Recipe:
- Refreshing Citrus Flavor: The dressing made with fresh lime juice makes the salad taste bright and fresh.
- Nutritious Ingredients: This salad is full of healthy ingredients. It has protein-packed quinoa, fiber-rich black beans, and fresh veggies.
- Easy to Make: It’s simple to prepare and doesn’t take much time, which is great when you’re busy.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead and you’ll have quick, healthy meals ready for the whole week.
🍚 Jamie Oliver Quinoa Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup quinoa (preferably pre-rinsed)
- ÂĽ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 fresh limes
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (add more if you like it spicy)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 5 green onions, finely chopped
- ÂĽ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, as you like
🥗 How To Make Jamie Oliver Quinoa Salad
- Cook the Quinoa:Â In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Cook until the water is all soaked up and the quinoa is tender.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes until well blended.
- Mix the Salad:Â In a large bowl, put the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, black beans, green onions, and cilantro. Stir them together.
- Add the Dressing:Â Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss everything until it’s all evenly coated. Taste and add more salt and black pepper as you like.
- Chill and Serve: You can serve the salad right away, or you can put it in the fridge for a few hours. This lets the flavors mix together nicely. It’s great both ways!
đź’ Recipe Tips
- Rinse Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can make it taste bitter.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Use fresh limes rather than bottled lime juice to enhance the flavors in the salad with a bright, fresh zest.
- Let Flavors Blend: If time allows, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for a few hours after preparing. This helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Adjust Heat: Customize the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference for spice. Start with a little and add more as needed.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cilantro and green onions for the best taste and vibrant color in your salad.
🍗 What Pairs Nicely With Quinoa Salad?
Quinoa Salad pairs well with grilled chicken or baked salmon. You can also enjoy it with roasted bell peppers or grilled zucchini.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Quinoa Salad?
- Refrigerator: Put the leftover salad in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the salad. Just put it in a freezer-safe container or a sealable plastic bag, making sure to squeeze out extra air. It will be good for 1 to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I Use A Different Type Of Quinoa For This Salad?
Yes, you can use any type of quinoa—white, red, or a tri-color blend. Each type adds a slightly different flavor and texture.
What Can I Use Instead Of Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans, you can use other beans like kidney beans or chickpeas. They work just as well in this salad.
Can I Add Cheese To This Salad?
Yes, adding crumbled feta or goat cheese can give an extra layer of flavor to the salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you like your salad with more heat, you can add more red pepper flakes, or include diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
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Jamie Oliver Quinoa Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 185.5kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18.2g
- Protein: 5.7g
- Fat: 10.6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.6g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 437.4mg
- Potassium: 257.8mg
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 2.4g
- Vitamin A: 1066.8IU
- Vitamin C: 40.3mg
- Calcium: 27mg
- Iron: 1.4mg