Description
A vibrant and nourishing Favorite Quinoa Salad packed with fresh veggies, smoky smoked turkey bacon, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. This quick and satisfying salad offers a perfect balance of crunchy textures, smoky flavors, and refreshing acidity, making it an ideal wholesome lunch that keeps you energized.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Cook it according to package instructions using a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool while preparing the other ingredients.
- Prepare the veggies and smoked turkey bacon: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red bell pepper and green onions. Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a pan until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces to bring smoky flavor and crunch to the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, Dijon mustard (natural), maple syrup (natural), salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. This dressing ties all the flavors beautifully.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa, chopped veggies, smoked turkey bacon, and fresh parsley. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat every bite with flavor. Chill for 10 minutes if preferred before serving.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa before cooking to avoid bitterness.
- Cool quinoa completely to keep the salad fresh and prevent veggies from wilting.
- Toast smoked turkey bacon until crispy but not burnt for maximum smoky flavor.
- Prepare the dressing ahead to allow flavors to blend well.
- Use fresh parsley for optimum brightness and aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: quinoa salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, healthy lunch, quick salad, gluten free salad
