Create a delicious BBQ quinoa salad with a simple dressing using quinoa, barbecue sauce, veggies, herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook quinoa, combine with diced red onions, bell peppers, corn, parsley, cilantro, then whisk together a tangy BBQ dressing. Toss until coated for a hearty, smoky, and savory BBQ recipe ready in 30 minutes or less.
Discover the perfect summer side dish with our mouthwatering Savory Quinoa Salad, drizzled in a tantalizing BBQ dressing. This vibrant bowl of quinoa becomes a hearty main course, brimming with protein and texture from vegetables and meats. Learn to craft a homemade BBQ sauce that’ll elevate your salads, offering tips on ingredients and spices for the ultimate flavor profile. From quinoa cooking methods to creative serving suggestions, this guide ensures you master every step, making it a go-to BBQ recipe for any gathering.
- Ingredients and Preparation
- – Quinoa cooking steps
- – Vegetables and proteins for the salad
- – BBQ dressing recipe
Ingredients and Preparation
Quinoa, a versatile superfood, is the star of this delicious BBQ salad. To create this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients: quinoa, your favorite barbecue sauce, diced red onions, bell peppers, corn, and a mix of fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro. Not to forget, you’ll also need olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
Start by cooking the quinoa according to package instructions. Once ready, combine it with all the prepared vegetables and herbs in a large bowl. Whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make a tangy dressing, then pour it over the salad mixture. Toss until everything is well coated, and you have a hearty, flavorful BBQ quinoa salad ready to be devoured!
– Quinoa cooking steps
To prepare quinoa for this delicious BBQ salad, start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is essential to remove any bitter taste. Then, combine the quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. After cooking, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool slightly before using in your favorite BBQ salad recipe.
This simple cooking method ensures that each grain of quinoa becomes tender and light, providing a perfect base for your BBQ dressing and other fresh ingredients. Quinoa’s versatility as a grain makes it an excellent choice for salads, offering a nutritious boost with its complete protein profile.
– Vegetables and proteins for the salad
When crafting a savory quinoa salad with barbecue dressing, the key lies in balancing vibrant vegetables and hearty proteins. For the former, incorporate an assortment of colorful produce like diced bell peppers, crisp cucumber, and juicy cherry tomatoes. These not only add visual appeal but also deliver essential vitamins and minerals. Consider adding sliced avocado for a creamy texture and extra healthy fats, or throw in some roasted vegetables like carrots and zucchini for depth of flavor and a hint of charred goodness.
Protein is integral to making this salad a satisfying meal. Quinoa itself is an excellent source of plant-based protein, but for added crunch and umami richness, toss in some cooked chickpeas or crumbled tofu. For barbecue enthusiasts, grilled chicken or shrimp can elevate the dish even further, infusing it with smoky, savory notes from the BBQ dressing.
– BBQ dressing recipe
To craft a mouthwatering Savory Quinoa Salad, you’ll need a delicious BBQ dressing that elevates each bite. Start by whisking together 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of vinegar (apple cider or balsamic work well), 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 clove of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor depth, then mix in 2 tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce to give it that smoky, sweet kick. Whisk everything until smooth, and set aside while you prepare the salad. This versatile BBQ dressing recipe is perfect for any grill-inspired dish, not just quinoa salads.