Italian Pasta Salad with Quinoa
Craving a flavor bombshell dish? Get ready for an Italian Pasta Salad with Quinoa, a treat that's both bursting with rustic goodness and superfood wowsome!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of quinoa
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 cups of rotini pasta
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup of cucumber diced
- ½ cup of black olives sliced
- ¼ cup of red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup of fresh basil chopped
- ¼ cup of fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cooking the Quinoa: Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, and cover the saucepan. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
- Preparing the Pasta: While the quinoa is cooling, cook the rotini pasta (or whichever pasta you chooose) according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
- Assembling the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and pasta. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, red onion, fresh basil, and fresh parsley. Toss everything together until well mixed. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
- Variations and Additions: Feel free to get creative and add your own twist to this Italian Pasta Salad with Quinoa. You can incorporate different vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts. For extra protein, consider adding chickpeas or grilled tofu. The possibilities are endless!
- Tips for Serving and Storing: This Italian Pasta Salad with Quinoa is best enjoyed chilled. Allow the flavors to meld together by refrigerating it for at least an hour before serving.