Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (2024)

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A superfood packed salad that's full of detoxifying ingredients, this detox quinoa salad comes together in minutes and is also gluten-free and vegan.

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (1)

this recipe

I think the most sacred part about food is its ability to heal. And not in just the curb your cravings kind of way (lookin' at you chocolate!). I mean really heal us from the inside out.

If you remove all the flavors and aromas that come with food and think about its purpose, what I'm saying makes sense. Our ancestors weren't necessarily concerned with how their food tasted. They needed it to survive. Food is our fuel. It's what helps keep our cells and organs working, and without it, we wouldn't be here.

So if and/or when you find yourself reaching for something that isn't so healthy (like chips, cookies, french fries, etc.),try thinking about this: everything we put into our bodies either helps or hinders how we function.

Wouldn't we want to make sure that we're eating the best possible ingredients we can source?

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (2)

Why This Detox Quinoa Salad Rocks

As this idea continues to grow and gets more attention, and the wellness world continues to expand, we as consumers are getting smarter. We're learning, we're evolving and with that change, the market shifts with us.

You can now find healthy, nutrient-dense food is becoming more accessible to us every day. It's available at airports, gas stations, restaurant menus, even fast food chains. And is almost as if eating healthy has become our new normal. It's embraced and celebrated.

So that's what we're doing with this detox quinoa salad. We're making healthy food taste good, but also deeply nourishing for your body. Here were my goals for creating this salad:

  1. It had to be full of foods that detoxify your body
  2. It had to be a salad that was allergy friendly (this has no: gluten, dairy, meat, egg, corn, soy, nuts, shellfish or sugar)
  3. The ingredients had to be easy to find (read: anyone can make this)
  4. It had to use fewer than 10 ingredients
  5. You have to be able to make it in less than 10 minutes

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (3)

What Foods Help with Detox?

The first was where I needed to do a little homework. I started researching foods that promoted detoxification and after getting a lot of conflicting information out there, I was able to finally narrow down a list of my 8 favorite detox foods.

To me, the term detox really means to support your internal systems that are responsible for detox. You don't need to go on any crazy cleanse or juice fast to detoxify. Your body does it naturally every single day.

So what you can do is support your organs – mainly your liver and digestive system – by feeding/fueling them with foods that help them do their jobs more effectively.

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (4)

Our Detox-Friendly Ingredients for this Quinoa Salad

After getting my list together it guided me in the right direction and from there I was able to check off those boxes I wanted to get. And while perhaps not everyingredientin this saladis detoxifying, many of them are. From that list (and a few others), I chose to include:

  • Beets.Beets not only contain many vitamins and minerals (like zinc, iron, and magnesium), but they also support both the gallbladder and the liver. Both organs are critical to our health as they help break down food and remove toxins.
  • Lemon.Lemon is often on the forefront when we talk about detoxing; and really, who doesn't love a little lemon? Lemons are alkaline-forming, meaning they help to balance out the acidity of many of the other foods we consume. Not only that, but lemon also stimulates enzymes that help to convert toxins into a form that our bodies can more easily release.
  • Garlic. Garlic is known to repel monsters, right? Well, it works the same with toxins. It's an antiviral, an antiseptic and an antibiotic. It all helps with detoxification.
  • Arugula. Arugula is part of the cruciferous family of vegetables (think broccoli, kale, cabbage, etc.) which means it's high in fiber and antioxidants. The fiber helps keep you regular which keeps your tummy happy and your digestive system in track.

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (5)

And on top of it all, this detox quinoa salad could not be easier to make. Really, you just toss the main salad ingredients into the bowl – arugula, steamed beets, chickpeas, and quinoa – then whisk up the dressing and toss it all together.

It makes a quick lunch, a perfect side dish or could even be eaten as a main course! Any which way you choose to whip it up, I think your taste buds and your tummy are going to be quite happy!

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (6)

More Detox Recipes to try:

  • Copycat Whole Foods Detox Salad
  • Hidden Veggie Pineapple Green Smoothie
  • Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup
  • Super Healthy Green Detox Soup

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad

4.2 from 53 votes

This healthy detox quinoa salad combines beets, chickpeas, arugulaand quinoa into a delicious and nutritious salad packed with detoxifying properties!

author: Alyssa

yield: 2 servings

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (7)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Total: 5 minutes minutes

Ingredients

for the dressing:

  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon coarse mustard
  • 1 garlic clove , grated
  • 1 tablespoon water (if needed)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix together all the salad ingredients.

  • Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients. Pour of the salad and toss until everything is combined.

  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes (optional) or serve immediately.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 475kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 998mg | Potassium: 849mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1035IU | Vitamin C: 9.2mg | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 5.8mg

cuisine: American

course: Salad

★★★★★

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Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (8)

Filed Under:

  • Dairy Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Lunch
  • Recipes
  • Salads
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (2024)

FAQs

Is quinoa salad good for losing weight? ›

Compared to other popular carbs, such as corn or rice, quinoa has more protein and fiber. These nutrients can help you lose weight and are critical for weight loss and weight maintenance. Quinoa has a lower GI score and is expected to have less impact on your blood sugars than other similar carbs.

Do you have to cook quinoa for salads? ›

Quinoa can be eaten raw or cooked, but it is most often eaten cooked. Quinoa is frequently used as a substitution for rice because it also takes on the flavor of what it is cooked with. Salads, tacos, and skillet dishes often incorporate quinoa.

How long does quinoa salad last in the fridge? ›

Make ahead: The salad can be made up to 1 day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

How to eat cold quinoa? ›

For an incredibly fast shortcut, simply combining the cold quinoa with Whole Foods' pre-made pineapple salsa (the kind without tomatoes) and adding peeled, chopped cucumbers and a sprinkle of feta cheese works well in a pinch!

Does quinoa burn belly fat? ›

Quinoa: High in protein, quinoa keeps you full with its high levels of plant-based proteins. It decreases your appetite and promotes belly fat decrease.

How much quinoa should I eat a day to lose weight? ›

As a general guideline, a serving of cooked quinoa is about ½ cup or 90 grams, and including 1-2 servings of quinoa daily as part of a balanced meal plan can be a healthy choice for most individuals.

What to add to quinoa to make it taste good? ›

I find that some of the best seasonings for quinoa are cumin, dried bay leaf, turmeric, and salt, and black pepper. I also love to flavor it with fresh garlic and herbs such as parsley, dill, and cilantro. You can add the seasonings of your choice into the pot at the same time with the liquid and cook it as directed.

Can I eat quinoa salad everyday? ›

Studies have reported that consumption of one serving of quinoa (about 40 g) meets an important part of daily recommendations (RDA) for essential nutrients and health-improving compounds.

Is quinoa healthier than rice? ›

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice. A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

What pairs well with quinoa? ›

Quinoa's got the carbs covered, so you'll likely want to add some additional protein (eggs, lentils, beans, tofu, chicken), a fat (olive oil, nuts, butter, cheese), and, ideally, some kind of fruit or vegetable (broccoli, berries, squash, spinach).

What happens if you don t wash quinoa? ›

The whole debate started thanks to saponin, a naturally occurring chemical that coats every tiny grain of quinoa. It's there for good reason—to ward off insects—but it has a strong, unpleasant taste. Rinsing the quinoa gets rid of the saponin and thus its bitter flavor—great.

Why is my quinoa salad mushy? ›

One Part Quinoa to Two Parts Water

It all comes down to texture. Add too little water and your grains may burn on the bottom of the pot before they cook through. Add too much water and you'll end up with soggy, overcooked, and mushy grains.

What is the best time to eat quinoa? ›

Quinoa can be consumed anytime – at breakfast, lunch or dinner. But it is best to eat healthy food like quinoa before going to bed. It induces sleep, because it relaxes the muscles, due to its high magnesium and protein content. “One can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day.

What is the best tasting quinoa? ›

White, red, or black? They're pretty much all the same nutritionally—so go with what tastes best to you, says Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, owner of Nutrition Starring You, LCC. White quinoa is the least bitter of the three, while red and black have a chewier texture that holds up better in cold dishes like salads.

Is quinoa better cold or hot? ›

The quick-cooking grain is delicious cold in a salad, served warm as a side dish, or combined with vegetables and dairy to make a spectacular and filling main course. Read on for even more of our favorite quinoa recipes, from quinoa pancakes to crispy quinoa sliders.

Is it okay to eat quinoa salad everyday? ›

You can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day. You should avoid eating it if you experience stomachache, itchiness or vomiting after consuming it. A study by Harvard Public School of Health has reported that eating a bowl of quinoa daily is healthy and without any side effects.

Will I lose weight if I eat quinoa instead of rice? ›

Quinoa has amino acid and protein, which white and brown rice lack. Thus, quinoa is a better option for people trying to lose weight. The amount of fibre in quinoa is more than the fibre in rice, which again makes quinoa a slightly healthier option. White rice and brown rice have fewer calories than quinoa.

What are the benefits of quinoa salad? ›

The fiber in quinoa can also help with cholesterol and blood sugar levels, lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Quinoa is rich in antioxidants, which can prevent damage to your heart and other organs. A diet high in antioxidants has been linked with a decreased risk of heart disease.

Is quinoa salad high in carbs? ›

Quinoa and Carbs

It's not a low-carb food. A cup of cooked quinoa has more than 39 grams of carbohydrates. That's 50% more than in the same amount of brown rice and almost as many carbs as in white rice.

References

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