Heart-healthy dish: Quinoa salad with mixed greens

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Quinoa salad with mixed greens is a delicious and nutritious dish that offers numerous health benefits.

Here are some of the benefits of this heart-healthy dish:

High in Protein: Quinoa is a great source of plant-based protein, which is important for maintaining and repairing tissues in the body. A cup of cooked quinoa contains about 8 grams of protein.

Rich in Fiber: Quinoa and mixed greens are high in fiber, which is important for maintaining healthy digestion and reducing the risk of heart disease. A cup of cooked quinoa contains about 5 grams of fiber, while mixed greens like spinach and arugula are also high in fiber.

Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Quinoa and mixed greens are both loaded with vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health. For example, quinoa is high in iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6, while mixed greens are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.

Low in Fat: Quinoa and mixed greens are both low in fat, which is important for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Versatile and Easy to Prepare: Quinoa salad with mixed greens is a versatile dish that can be customized to include your favorite vegetables, nuts, and dressings. It’s also easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for a healthy and convenient meal.

Overall, quinoa salad with mixed greens is a nutritious and delicious dish that offers numerous health benefits. It’s a great option for a heart-healthy meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day.

Here’s a recipe for Quinoa Salad with Mixed Greens:

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and/or kale)

1 cucumber, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 red onion, diced

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and transfer it to a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer the quinoa for about 15 minutes or until it is tender and the water has been absorbed.

Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, chopped parsley, and crumbled feta cheese.

Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl and toss everything together.

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together.

Serve immediately or chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Quinoa Salad with Mixed Greens!

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