Tropical Twist: Thai Pineapple Quinoa Salad for Summer Delight

Thai-inspired Pineapple Quinoa Salad

Today, I’m excited to share a refreshing and exotic summer dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the nuttiness of quinoa. This Thai-inspired pineapple quinoa salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any summer gathering.

Ingredients:

• knife
• cutting board
• medium saucepan
• mixing bowl

For the salad:
– 1 cup (185g) quinoa
– 2 cups (470ml) water
– 1/2 fresh pineapple, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh mint
– 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped roasted peanuts

For the dressing:
– 3 tablespoons (45ml) soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
– 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon (5ml) freshly grated ginger
– 1 clove garlic, minced

Preparation:

Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, mint, and roasted peanuts.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic to make the dressing.

Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss until everything is well coated.

Serving:

This Thai-inspired pineapple quinoa salad weighs approximately 1000 grams total and serves 6 people. Each serving is around 166 grams and contains approximately 250 calories.

Tips:

For an extra burst of flavor, try toasting the quinoa in a dry saucepan before cooking it. This will enhance its nutty taste and give the salad a delicious depth.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Thai-inspired pineapple quinoa salad as much as I do! Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or additional veggies. Bon appétit!