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Whip Up a Refreshing Grain Salad with Fuss-Free Ingredients

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Springtime can be the perfect occasion to dust off your culinary skills and try something fresh and inviting. One dish that hits all the right notes is a vibrant quinoa salad, bursting with flavors and textures. The best part? All the ingredients are easily found at your local grocery store, meaning no frantic runs to multiple shops just to whip up a memorable meal. So, let’s dive into the delightful world of quinoa salad!

Why You’ll Love This Quinoa Salad

Quinoa serves as the grain element of this salad. Trust me on this: it’s the backbone of our dish, offering a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch. I opted for tricolor quinoa for an extra pop of color, but you can choose any kind you have on hand. The star-studded cast of ingredients also includes creamy avocados—with just the right amount of firmness—and a variety of greens to add color and nutrients.

For a smoky and sweet touch, grilling corn on the cob is a must. The charred kernels lend a welcome contrast to the dish. As for the onions, I sliced up some red onions for their vivid color and slightly sharp flavor, although shallots or spring onions work just as well. When it comes to tomatoes, you’re spoilt for choice. Pick whatever looks juicy and ripe, whether it’s cherry, grape, or heirloom tomatoes.

I love a bit of pepper, so I threw in some rocket lettuce, but any green leaf will suit just fine. When peaches are in season, their juicy sweetness is unbeatable. However, feel free to experiment with thinly sliced pears, segmented oranges, or even pineapple slices for unique flavor twists. For the finishing herbal touch, coriander is my go-to, but parsley, dill, or chives would fit the bill perfectly.

How to Make Your Easy Grain Salad

Looking at the list of ingredients, you might feel a bit overwhelmed. But believe me, each component blends harmoniously to create a dish greater than the sum of its parts.

First, gather all your ingredients and prep them. Preparing ahead makes the actual cooking process go more smoothly, especially if it’s your first time making this salad. Take a bit of extra time on your initial attempt, and you’ll know where you can take shortcuts in future renditions.

Cooking the Quinoa

Start by cooking your quinoa. This step takes the longest and will need some cooling time afterward. Follow the packet instructions, but generally, you should rinse the quinoa and use a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa. Consider using the highly-rated Rice Cooker by Instant Pot available on Amazon, which simplifies the process. Bring it to a boil, cover it, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. By this time, it should be perfectly cooked and fluffy.

Charring the Corn

Next, get ready to char the corn. I used my gas BBQ for this, but if you’re working indoors, a grill pan or even a blowtorch can get the job done. Though the flavor won’t be quite the same, it’ll still provide that charred look we’re aiming for. The Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan on Amazon is excellent for achieving grill marks indoors.

While waiting for the corn, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Slice those onions thinly, chop your tomatoes and peaches into bite-sized segments. Save slicing the avocados for last to prevent them from browning. Finally, give your chosen herbs a rough chop.

Now, combine all your ingredients with the cooked quinoa in a large bowl, sprinkling in a pinch of salt to taste. Mix gently so that everything is well distributed.

Crafting the Dressing

For the salad dressing, I used an easy blend of wholegrain mustard, honey, oil, and salt. Whether you prefer shaking using a whimsical OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker, or blending, just make sure everything is well combined. When you’re ready to serve, drizzle some dressing over the salad and toss lightly. I like to have extra dressing on the side so guests can adjust to their taste.

What’s the Perfect Complement to Quinoa Salad?

Preparing this enticing grain salad is one thing, but what do you serve with it? I find beer or wine to be excellent companions, but let’s explore a protein for the meat aficionados among us.

The other day, I paired it with some delicious honey soy chicken nibbles from Inglewood Farm. They come pre-marinated, which makes them super convenient and scrumptious. When entertaining friends, I often enjoy diving in with my hands, and these nibbles provide the perfect opportunity. Readily available across Australia, they’re budget-friendly and incredibly tasty.

If chicken wings don’t pique your interest, consider other proteins available on Amazon, such as Smithfield Hickory Smoked Bacon for a smoky crunch or Vital Choice Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon for a rich and healthy option. These pair beautifully with the salad and will have your guests raving about the meal.

Quinoa salads are as versatile as they are delicious. If you’ve got an adventurous palate, you could also explore vegan options by including items like 365 Tofu or Beyond Meat’s Plant-Based Patties. Both are available on Amazon and can add a delightful twist to your grain salad spread.

For a colorful serving option, check out the DOWAN Porcelain Salad Bowls, which make your kitchen creations look even more appetizing with their sleek and vibrant design.

Whichever way you decide to go, this quinoa salad is sure to light up your taste buds and add a pop of color and flavor to your spring menus. So dive in, experiment, and enjoy the party on your palate!

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