How do you Flavour quinoa when cooking?

I find that some of the best seasonings for quinoa are cumin, dried bay leaf, turmeric, and salt, and black pepper . I also love to flavor it with fresh garlic and herbs such as parsley, dill, and cilantro. You can add the seasonings of your choice into the pot at the same time with the liquid and cook it as directed.

How to make quinoa palatable?

Easy ways to flavor quinoa: Broth: first and foremost, change up the liquid that you're using to cook your quinoa . Rather than using water, try to change it up for broth (veggie, chicken, beef, mushroom, etc). You can also use coconut milk if you're wanting something a little more creamy/tropical.

What can I add to quinoa to make it tastier?

13 Ways To Add More Flavor To Quinoa Cook it in broth instead of water. ... Dress it with a vinaigrette. ... Mix cooked quinoa with caramelized onions. ... Infuse it with dried fruit and fruit scraps. ... Add oil and salt to cooked quinoa. ... Toast uncooked quinoa. ... Don't skimp on the garlic. ... Season your water with spices. More items... Jul 21, 2023

What happens if you don't soak quinoa?

Do you need to soak quinoa before cooking it? In short, no, you don't need to soak quinoa. However, doing so is said to remove phytic acid, which may make it easier for people to digest quinoa . If you just want to remove the bitter flavor from quinoa, rinse it under cold water for about a minute.

How do you eat quinoa if you don't like it?

Use as a substitute for rice, couscous or freekeh . Throw a handful of uncooked quinoa into your porridge oats, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add cooked quinoa to cakes, seed breads, green bowls, and ancient grain salads (especially paired with avocado in a lemony dressing). And this: Bake it.

How do you make quinoa not taste bad?

Happily, the solution to preventing bitter quinoa is very simple. All you need to do is rinse your uncooked quinoa in cold running water for a minute or so until the water runs clear .

What liquid to cook quinoa in?

The basic ratio is 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups liquid. You can use water (season it with a bit of kosher salt), or you can use any kind of broth (we like to use low-sodium broths and add any extra salt to the finished dish as needed). You can also add a bit of dry white wine to the liquid for another layer of flavor.

How do you soak quinoa to get the bitterness out of it?

Soak or rinse the quinoa first. Soaking quinoa in water may help to lower its phytic acid content, and at the same time, it may also help to remove the saponin found in its natural coating . (This can give quinoa a bitter taste.)

Do you rinse quinoa before or after cooking?

Rinsing quinoa is preferable, especially if you are sensitive to the bitter taste of saponin. I personally always wash quinoa before cooking as I am one of those people who can taste the bitter flavor of saponin. I also think that cooked quinoa tastes better when it is rinsed before cooking.

Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (2024)

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If you’re on the lookout for a healthy, hearty, and oh-so-delicious meal, look no further than our Mexican Quinoa Salad recipe. Packed with vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients, this quinoa salad is a winner for any occasion. It also happens to be one of my favorite nutritious meal prep recipes!

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Ingredients for Mexican Quinoa Salad:

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of making this delightful quinoa salad, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
3 cups cooked quinoa (1 cup uncooked)
1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (one 15 oz. can) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups (one 15 oz. can) corn, drained
3 tablespoons olive oil
10-15 fresh cherry tomatoes, quartered

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Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps to create this delectable Mexican Quinoa Salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Quinoa

Start by cooking your quinoa according to the package instructions. You’ll need 3 cups of cooked quinoa, which is typically made from 1 cup of uncooked quinoa. Allow the cooked quinoa to cool to room temperature before using it in the salad.

Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked and cooled quinoa, finely chopped red onion, crushed garlic, and lemon juice. This forms the base of your Mexican Quinoa Salad.

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Step 3: Add Fresh Herbs and Seasonings

Chop the fresh parsley and cilantro finely, then stir them into the quinoa mixture. Now, it’s time to add the flavor boosters – dried oregano, dried basil, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. These seasonings will infuse your salad with that authentic Mexican taste.

Step 4: Incorporate Black Beans and Corn

Gently fold in the black beans and corn, which add texture and fiber to your quinoa salad. Make sure they’re well-distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Drizzle with Olive Oil

Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and toss everything together. The olive oil not only adds a luscious richness but also helps to bind all the flavors together.

Step 6: Freshen Up with Cherry Tomatoes

Just before serving, quarter the fresh cherry tomatoes and fold them into the salad. These juicy and colorful additions provide a burst of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the other ingredients.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Mexican Quinoa Salad can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even a potluck contribution.

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Tips for the Perfect Mexican Quinoa Salad:

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. It’s flavorful and tender, making it an excellent choice for this salad. You can also use grilled or roasted chicken if preferred.
Fresh Herbs: Don’t skip the fresh parsley and cilantro. They add a burst of freshness and vibrant color to the salad. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can omit it or substitute with more parsley.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes.
Customize: This recipe is highly customizable. You can add avocado, bell peppers, red or green chilies, or even some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

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Quinoa Salad Variations:

Mexican Quinoa Salad is a versatile dish that allows for various interpretations. Here are a few exciting variations you can try:

1. Vegetarian Delight:

For a meatless version, simply omit the shredded chicken. The black beans and quinoa provide enough protein and texture to make it a satisfying vegetarian meal.

2. Seafood Sensation:

Swap out the rotisserie chicken for grilled shrimp or flaked salmon to create a seafood twist on this recipe.

3. Vegan Magic:

To make this dish vegan, skip the chicken and use plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh. Substitute honey for a vegan sweetener in the dressing, such as maple syrup or agave nectar.

4. Salsa Surprise:

Top your Mexican Quinoa Salad with your favorite salsa or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor and spice.

Why You’ll Love Mexican Quinoa Salad:

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Mexican Quinoa Salad:

1. Health and Flavor in Every Bite:

This salad is a powerhouse of nutrition with protein from the chicken, fiber from the quinoa and beans, and a burst of freshness from the herbs and tomatoes. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s as healthy as it is delicious.

2. Mexican Quinoa Salad is Quick and Easy:

With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. You can prepare it in advance and enjoy it whenever you please.

3. Burst of Mexican Flavors:

The combination of seasonings like cumin, oregano, and garlic, along with fresh cilantro and parsley, creates an explosion of Mexican flavors in every bite.

4. Customizable and Adaptable:

You can tailor this salad to your preferences, whether you want it spicy, meaty, vegetarian, or vegan. The options are endless, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

5. Great for Meal Prep:

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Prepare a large batch of Mexican Quinoa Salad and enjoy it throughout the week. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be a satisfying lunch or dinner option.

So there you have it, a delicious and nutritious Mexican Quinoa Salad recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s become favorite recipe of mine!

More Delicious Salads

Macaroni Salad
Spaghetti Salad

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Healthy and flavorful Mexican quinoa salad is bursting with delicious flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded chicken (I use rotisserie)
3 cups cooked quinoa (1 cup uncooked)
1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (one 15 oz. can) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups (one 15 oz. can) corn, drained
3 tablespoons olive oil
10-15 fresh cherry tomatoes quartered

Instructions

Mix shredded chicken, cooked and cooled quinoa, diced onion, garlic, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl.

Chop parsley and cilantro, then stir into quinoa along with seasonings, black beans, and corn.
Stir in oil and tomato immediately before serving.
Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 410Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 704mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 6gSugar: 8gProtein: 27g