How to Make a Salad with Quinoa, Vegetables, and Shrimp

Craving a healthy and yummy meal that's super easy to whip up? Look no further than a quinoa, veggie, and shrimp salad! This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. It's perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack.

Why this salad is awesome

This salad is a win-win for your health. It's got so much to offer:

• Quinoa: It's a complete protein, which means it has all the good stuff your body needs. Plus, it's loaded with fiber, iron, and magnesium.
• Veggies: Veggies give you essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Choose colorful ones for a rainbow of nutrients!
• Shrimp: It's a lean protein packed with omega-3 fatty acids. It's also low in calories and fat.
• Flavorful and Flexible: You can customize this salad with your favorite ingredients and dressings. Make it spicy, sweet, or tangy—whatever your taste buds crave!
• Fast and Easy: This salad is a lifesaver on busy nights or for a quick and healthy lunch.

What you'll need

To make a delicious quinoa, veggie, and shrimp salad, you'll need these ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup chopped mixed veggies (like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, and spinach)
• ½ cup chopped fresh herbs (like cilantro, parsley, and basil)
• ¼ cup toasted nuts or seeds (like almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds)

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let's get cooking

Follow these easy steps to make a healthy and delicious quinoa, veggie, and shrimp salad:

1. Cook the Quinoa:

1. Combine quinoa and vegetable broth or water in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Take it off the heat and fluff it with a fork. Let it cool completely.

2. Prep the Veggies and Shrimp:

1. Chop the mixed veggies into bite-sized pieces.
2. If you're using raw shrimp, cook it how you like. Grill, sauté, or bake it until it's pink and cooked through.

3. Make the Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until everything is mixed well.

4. Assemble the Salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped veggies, cooked shrimp, and fresh herbs.
2. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything.
3. Top it off with toasted nuts or seeds.

5. Dig in!

Serve the salad right away or chill it in the fridge for later. It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Make it your own

Here are some fun ways to personalize your quinoa, veggie, and shrimp salad:

• Add more protein: If you want a more filling salad, add cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.
• Get creative with veggies: Use your favorite seasonal veggies, like asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Experiment with dressings: Try different vinaigrettes, like balsamic vinaigrette, raspberry vinaigrette, or a creamy avocado dressing.
• Add some spice: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dollop of sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
• Make it a full meal: Serve the salad with a side of grilled bread, roasted sweet potatoes, or a light soup.

Storage and Leftovers

To store leftovers, put the salad in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dressing might separate, so gently toss the salad before serving it.

Nutritional Info

One serving of this quinoa, veggie, and shrimp salad gives you about:

• Calories: 400-500 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Fiber: 10-15 grams
• Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and more
• Minerals: Magnesium, Iron, Potassium, and more

Final Thoughts

This quinoa, veggie, and shrimp salad is a delicious and nutritious meal option that's perfect for any occasion. With its mix of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, this salad will satisfy your hunger and nourish your body. Get creative with your ingredients and dressing to make it your own! Enjoy!