Healthy Californian

Elevate your mealtime with the vibrant and nutrient-packed "Healthy Californian" salad! This wholesome recipe combines the earthy goodness of fluffy quinoa with a medley of fresh veggies, including creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and zesty red onion. A sprinkling of slivered almonds and tangy feta cheese adds irresistible texture and flavor. Tossed in a zippy homemade lemon-Dijon dressing, this salad is a perfect balance of bright, refreshing tastes and satisfying heartiness. Ready in just 30 minutes, the Healthy Californian makes an ideal quick lunch, a light dinner, or a flavorful side dish. Packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and vibrant produce, this California-inspired creation is sure to become your go-to for a nutritious and delicious meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Quinoa
• 2 cups Water
• 3 cups Mixed greens
• 1 large Avocado
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 1 small Cucumber
• 0.25 cup Red onion
• 0.25 cup Slivered almonds
• 0.25 cup Feta cheese
• 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water, and bring to a boil over medium heat.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the quinoa sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 5

While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and cut the avocado into cubes.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, slivered almonds, and feta cheese.

Step 7

To make the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 8

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 9

Divide the salad into serving bowls and enjoy immediately as a wholesome meal or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1417.8 grams (1417.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1652

Total Fat 108.30g	139%
Saturated Fat 16.20g	81%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 33mg	11%
Sodium 2980mg	130%
Total Carbohydrate 139.90g	51%
Dietary Fiber 21.40g	76%
Total Sugars 17.20g
Protein 44.40g	89%

Vitamin D 6IU	30%
Calcium 417mg	32%
Iron 9mg	52%
Potassium 2261mg	48%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.9%

Protein: 10.4%

Carbs: 32.7%