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Vibrant Veggie Quinoa Salad

A colorful, nutrient packed salad made with love, respect and intention. Flexible, healthy and full of flavor.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base
  • 1 Cup Quinoa or Couscous
  • 2 Cups Broth or Water
  • 1 Clove Garlic
  • Your favorite seasonings Use your intuition
  • 1 Tsp Olive oil or your choice of oil
Veggies & Add Ins
  • 1 Cup Grated carrots
  • 1 Can Chickpeas Rinsed
  • 1 Cup Steamed broccoli
  • 1 Cup Chopped bell peppers
  • 1/2 Cup Chopped tomatoes
  • 1 Cup Finely chopped spinach or arugula
  • 1/4 Cup Chopped green olives
  • 1 Cucumber, chopped
  • 1 Lemon To squeeze on salad
Optional Protein Options
  • Grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon
  • Boiled eggs
  • Tofu or tempeh
Cheese (Optional)
  • Feta, goat cheese or vegan alternative I always do feta (balances it out beautifully)

Equipment

  • Pot For Quinoa or Couscous

Method
 

    Allow yourself to take a deep breath and appreciate the opportunity you have to make such a healing and vibrant meal.
Cook The Base
  1. Boil broth/water with garlic, seasonings and a splash of oil
  2. Stir in couscous or quinoa, cover and cook for roughly 20 minutes. Then fluff with a fork.
Prep Veggies
  1. Steam broccoli; grate or chop other veggies.
  2. Rinse chickpeas
Assemble Salad
  1. Combine base, vegetables, protein (if added) and cheese
  2. Toss with lemon juice or dressing. Season to taste
    3. If I feel adventurous, I will make a olive oil and lemon dressing with garlic + herbs.
Set Your Intention
  1. Pause and add love, gratitude or positive energy while preparing, serving or before you eat.
Serve + Eat
  1. Perfect warm, room temperature or chilled

Notes

Nutrient & Mind-Body Benefits 

  • Couscous/Quinoa: Sustained energy + plant protein 
  • Veggies: Vitamins, antioxidant’s, fiber for gut and immune health
  • Protein: Muscle support + satiety
  • Olives + Olive Oil: Heart + brain health
  • Lemon & Herbs: Immunity, anti-inflammatory benefits, fresh + bright flavor
  • Intention & Care: Enhances enjoyment, digestion and overall well-being
  • Tip: Cooking with respect and love nourishes body, mind and soul. Every ingredient can be a little gift to yourself.
 

Easy Variations & Swaps:

  • Use quinoa for extra protein or couscous for a softer, comforting texture.
  • Add posted sweet potatoes or zucchini for warmth and depth.
  • Toss in avacado's for healthy fats
  • Use feta, goat cheese, parmesan or vegan cheese
  • Add grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, tofu, boiled eggs or whatever is called to you.
  • Swap chickpeas for white beans or lenils
  • Add sunflower seeds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds.
  • Spice it up with chili flakes, cumin, smoked paprika or harissa
  • Enjoy warm, chilled or meal prep for the week
This salad is meant to be flexible, nourishing and intuitive. Use what you have, whats in season or what your body is craving most. Every version can become it's own beautiful meal made with love and intention.