Are you ready to revolutionize your breakfast routine? Say goodbye to boring morning meals and hello to the vibrant and nutritious "Breakfast Salad with Nutty Crispy Quinoa"! This delightful dish combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with the crunch of toasted nuts, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado, making it the perfect way to kickstart your day. Packed with flavor and texture, this salad not only fuels your body but also tantalizes your taste buds. So, if you're looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying breakfast option that will leave you craving more, keep reading for the full recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Breakfast
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa's natural coating called saponin.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the water. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the nuts. In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the chopped almonds and walnuts. Toast them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once toasted, remove the nuts from the skillet and set them aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and mixed greens.
- After the quinoa has rested, fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the mixing bowl with the vegetables and greens.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Finally, sprinkle the toasted nuts over the top of the salad for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your Breakfast Salad with Nutty Crispy Quinoa!
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to eliminate its natural bitterness. This step makes a significant difference in flavor!
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Keep an eye on the cooking time! Quinoa should be tender and fluffy, with all the water absorbed. Let it rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking for the best texture.
- Toast Your Nuts: Toasting almonds and walnuts in a dry skillet enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden brown color.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables in the salad. Cucumbers, bell peppers, or even some radishes can add extra freshness and color!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the quinoa and dressing in advance to save time in the morning. Just toss everything together right before serving for a quick and easy breakfast.
- Add Protein: For an even heartier meal, consider adding a poached or fried egg on top of your salad. It adds richness and additional protein to fuel your day.
- Dress It Up: Experiment with different dressings! A balsamic vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing can give your salad a whole new twist. Enjoy crafting this delicious breakfast salad that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg
