Hello, my fellow foodie friends! With the kids at school and my husband at work, I often find myself craving something light and fresh for lunch that I can whip up in just a few minutes. Today, I decided to make use of my leftover quinoa and some fresh veggies I had in the fridge. The result? A scrumptious and easy-to-make Quinoa Salad that is perfect for a sunny June day!

This dish reminds me of my sweet Emily, who absolutely loves this salad. She’s been practicing her piano skills so diligently lately that I wanted to surprise her with a healthy and yummy lunch when she gets home from school. This Quinoa Salad is not only nutritious but also colorful and full of flavor. It’s a fantastic way to show her just how proud I am of her hard work and dedication.

Now, let’s talk about the recipe! The beauty of this dish is that you can easily customize it with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies, or even add some grilled chicken or tofu for a protein boost! Here’s how I made mine today:

Quick & Easy Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, sliced and quartered
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together even more.

And that’s it! In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying lunch that’s perfect for enjoying on a warm June afternoon. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up any leftover quinoa and fresh veggies you have on hand. I can’t wait for Emily to come home and enjoy this delightful Quinoa Salad with me, as we chat about her day and listen to her play her latest piano masterpiece.

Happy cooking, everyone!