Healthy Summer Salad Bowl

As summer approaches, the culinary landscape transforms, presenting a bounty of fresh, seasonal ingredients that beckon to be celebrated. The days grow longer and warmer, inviting us to indulge in vibrant flavors and nourishing meals that not only delight the palate but also support our health. One dish that epitomizes the essence of summer is the Vibrant Summer Bliss Salad Bowl. This salad is an exquisite embodiment of seasonal produce, merging nutrition with a burst of colors and textures that reflect the sun-soaked days ahead.

Celebrate summer with the Vibrant Summer Bliss Salad Bowl, a delightful fusion of fresh flavors and nutrition. This colorful dish features a mix of seasonal greens, crunchy vegetables, protein-packed quinoa, and creamy avocado, making it a satisfying stand-alone meal or the perfect side for barbecues and picnics. Packed with essential nutrients, this salad not only delights the taste buds but also promotes a healthy lifestyle. Dive into a bowl of vibrant goodness this summer!

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Ingredients

2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and baby kale)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced

1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled

1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 avocado, diced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Grains: If you haven’t done so already, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Make sure to rinse it before cooking to remove the bitterness. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Chop the Vegetables: While the quinoa cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Dice the avocado just before adding to the salad to prevent browning.

Mix the Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.

Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Adjust the taste as needed.

Assemble the Bowl: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, gently tossing to combine everything thoroughly.

Top It Off: Add the diced avocado and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese (if using) on top. Garnish with the fresh cilantro or parsley for added flavor and a burst of color.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately as a refreshing light lunch or dinner, or refrigerate for up to an hour to let the flavors meld together even more.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4