Persian Quinoa Salad

Try this Persian Quinoa Salad, also known as Shirazi Salad, as a healthy and flavorful side to pair with your main entrée.

Persian salad is known for its use of chopped mint, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and onion, giving every bite a cool and robust flavor. Our spin on the classic Persian salad includes high-protein quinoa as a gluten-free base that’s full of antioxidants and fiber—not to mention adding a delightful texture to the dish. We’ve also incorporated spinach, which isn’t traditional but adds earthiness and tender yet crisp greens to the meal.

The lemon garlic vinaigrette, made with lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper, complements the flavors of the mixed greens, quinoa, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and chopped mint.

Persian Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, high-protein vegetarian dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Made with fresh ingredients, it's a delicious way to fuel your healthy lifestyle.

Prep Time:  15 minutes   |    Total Time:  15 minutes   |    Servings:  6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked  Simply Nature  Organic Quinoa
• 1½ cups diced cucumber
• 1½ cups quartered cherry tomatoes
• ¼ cup chopped red onion
• 1 cup chopped  Simply Nature  Organic Baby Spinach
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped mint
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons  Carlini  Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ¼ teaspoon ground  Stonemill  Sea Salt Grinder, plus additional to taste
• ground  Stonemill  Black Peppercorn Grinder, to taste

Directions:    

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except oil, salt and pepper. Rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
2. Stir in oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Recipe Courtesy of Chef Alyssa, ALDI Test Kitchen     

Calories 110 | Total Fat 8g | Sodium 40mg | Total Carbohydrate 9g | Fiber 2g | Sugars 4g | Protein 2g