Healthy Quinoa Salad Recipe for Weight Loss

Sharing a very healthy quinoa recipe for weight loss. Quinoa is a gluten free grain which is a rich source of high quality protein, fibers, vitamins and minerals. If you are following a weight loss diet or want to eat a healthy wholesome meal, then you can certainly include this quinoa in your diet. So let’s check out how to make this incredibly healthy salad recipe.

Here I am using NeuHerbs Raw, unroasted, white quinoa which is 100% natural. It comes in a zip lock bag, making it convenient to store the left over quantity. I ordered this one on Amazon. You can also buy it here .

You must be wondering how quinoa will help in weight loss. The combination of fiber and protein in quinoa keeps you full for longer period of time and you feel satisfied whole day, thus helping in weight loss. Quinoa also adds a boost to your everyday nutrition and gives a healthy start to your day.)

Check out another healthy quinoa recipe: Quinoa Uttapam for weight loss

Here is the video recipe for easy reference:

Below is the detailed written recipe as well:

INGREDIENTS Quinoa - 1 cup Soaked Urad Dal - 1/2 cup Black Cardamom, Green Cardamom - 1 pcs each Bay Leaf, Cinnamon - 1 pcs Chopped Vegetables - 1 cup (Carrot, Broccoli, Onion, Capsicum, Tomato) Sunflower seeds, Pumpkin Seeds - 1 tsp each Nuts like almonds, walnuts, berries Salt, Black pepper - As per taste Fresh herbs like mint, coriander, Parsley etc

Method:

Preparation of quinoa:

1. The most important step to use quinoa is washing the quinoa. One needs to wash the quinoa by rubbing it nicely with your palms. Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin which can make cooked quinoa taste little bitter or soapy. Rinsing well before cooking reduces the saponin.

2. After washing 2-3 times, drain the water and then soak the quinoa in fresh water for at least 30 minutes.

3. Post soaking, add the soaked quinoa and water to a pan and boil it first. Actually it is cooked just like rice. Cook the quinoa at a low flame until all the water has absorbed. This will take around 10 to 15 minutes depending upon the quantity of quinoa. Once the quinoa becomes fluffy, remove the pan from heat and cover with a lid for five minutes. And our quinoa is ready to use in your favorite recipes.

Cooking Urad Dal:

 I am using soaked urad dal. I had soaked it for 30 minutes. We need to cook the dal in excess water in a open pan. Ensure not to cook the dal completely. It should not turn mushy. We need to cook it till it is firm and holds shape. Once dal is cooker, drain out the excess water and shed off the water as much as possible. Spread the dal on a cloth so that it becomes little dry. 

Assembling the salad:

Now its time to assemble our salad. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, urad dal. Adding dal will make our salad every more full and satisfying. Instead of dal, you can even add boiled chickpeas, beans. Here goes all the veggies and nuts. When you mix quinoa with colourful veggies and crunchy seeds or nuts, then it enhances the richness and freshness of this healthy quinoa salad. So feel free to load your salad with these. Finally squeeze in fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper as per taste. And our super healthy, very nutritious, satisfying Quinoa salad is ready to serve. This salad tastes incredible and I am sure this will become your new favourite salad.