Basically spring in a bowl. You have all the vibrant and colourful fruits and veggies you could wish for, plus some fluffy and tangy quinoa to fill you up and some fresh greens for even more vitamins. Oh, yeah, and not to forget about that sauce, which tastes like straight from heaven. What’s more, this is so incredibly easy to make and SO quick – you’ll want to make it every day!
Originally I shared the recipe in the Vegan What I Eat in a Day IGTV on Instagram. And you guys went nuts about it and wanted the recipe so you also are able to make it – so here you go, voilà. Tbh, I can very well understand you – this recipe IS really good. Sine then I think I have made this at least 4 or 5 times, it has become a staple that we make on repeat.
What is special about this dish?
What makes this so special is that you cannot really label it. It is no special cuisine, has no geographic origin or is typical for the food in a certain area or country. It is just a wild mix of flavours, colours and ingredients. It may seem a bit odd that we are throwing so many different things into a bowl, but don’t judge before you try. They all work together in perfect harmony and there’ll be an explosion of flavour in your mouth.
Besides, as already mentioned, this is like spring in a bowl. One the one hand side because of the way it looks. So many different colours and so many greens, just like nature is starting to bloom all the colours start to pop up at the side of the street. And on the other hand because it is so refreshing, so light, so easy – kind of just as spring is. If there is any time you should try this recipe, it is now.
Is this dish healthy?
Definitely!! I mean, if you think of a healthy meal isn’t something exactly like this what you’re thinking of? Probably. And yes, it really is very nutritious. Where should we start? Quinoa – it is a nutrient bomb. Super high fibre, super high protein and all the carbs you need to stay full and full of energy for the rest of the day. Plus, it is extremely high in minerals and vitamins and it’s super tasty.
Besides quinoa, our bowl is loaded with fruits and veggies. We have got corn, high in fibre, magnesium, vitamin B. Then we have tomatoes, which are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and K. Bell pepper; vitamin A, C, potassium, fibre. Cucumber and broccoli – much water, many antioxidants, Vitamins A, C, E, K and folid acid. Edamame, protein and fibre king. Mango, not only tastes like heaven but also great for your immune system. The peanut butter; a great source of healthy fats and protein. The list goes on and on, and I think you get the point. Yep, this dish is incredibly healthy and still soso delicious!
How to make this dish?
As the name already suggests, it’s easy peasy. Really, it only comes down to preparing the quinoa, which is not greatly different from preparing rice, cutting the veggies and making the sauce. As for the veggies, we need to chop some into bite sized pieces, and some need to be steamed for a few minutes, such as the broccoli and edamame. The sauce also is incredibly simple, as it just requires you to mix a few ingredients – which you probably all have at home already.
And then comes the fun part – the plating. If you are patient enough and not too hungry, you can style it prettily. Or if you are just normal – you can just throw everything into a bowl and mix mix mix. In the end, we just top it off with some fresh herbs and spring onions and that’s it! Voilà!
When and how to best have it?
Whenever you want! It works perfectly as a quick lunch on busy days, when you don’t want to spend much time on preparing your lunch. Otherwise, it also works great as a meal prep. You can just prepare everything, store it in the fridge and toss is with the sauce when you are ready to eat. Since it is a salad, it is just as delicious when served cold! And, not to forget, it also is perfect for picnics. Just prepare, pack and enjoy in the sun!
I genuinely hope that you’ll enjoy this recipe at least as much as we do and that you’ll have an amazing time cooking & enjoying it! Have a wonderful spring!
Easy Peasy Rainbow Quinoa Salad with the Best Peanut Sauce
easy, healthy and SOSO addictively good. I promise, you'll want to make this on repeat. A bowl of spring, loaded with all the fresh and vibrant veggies, along with some light and fluffy quinoa, and the best, creamy peanut sauce. All in all, heaven!
What you will need
For the salad:
- 100 g quinoa
- 100 g broccoli
- 100 g edamame
- 1/2 bell pepper
- 1/2 cucumber
- 100 g canned corn
- 1 handful radishes & tomatoes
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 mango
- 2 handful greens such as salad, baby spinach, kale (whatever you like and have on hand)
- 100 g pomegranate seeds
For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 1/2 lime
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp coconut milk
How to
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Add the quinoa to a pot along with twice the amount of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and let it simmer with the lid on until all water in absorbed. Then close the lid and let it stand on low heat until fluffy.
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In the meantime cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and steam it in some hot water, along with the edamame, for about 3-4 minutes.
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Finely dice the bell pepper, radishes and cucumber, half the tomatoes, peel and cut the mango, wash the greens, drain the corn, slice the avocado and add it all to a bowl.
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Mix all ingredients for the peanut sauce, then add the broccoli, edamame and quinoa to the bowl and toss everything.
Serve and enjoy!
Love,
Katie // Une Petite Cuisinière
