Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (2024)

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A superfood packed salad that's full of detoxifying ingredients, this detox quinoa salad comes together in minutes and is also gluten-free and vegan.

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (1)

this recipe

I think the most sacred part about food is its ability to heal. And not in just the curb your cravings kind of way (lookin' at you chocolate!). I mean really heal us from the inside out.

If you remove all the flavors and aromas that come with food and think about its purpose, what I'm saying makes sense. Our ancestors weren't necessarily concerned with how their food tasted. They needed it to survive. Food is our fuel. It's what helps keep our cells and organs working, and without it, we wouldn't be here.

So if and/or when you find yourself reaching for something that isn't so healthy (like chips, cookies, french fries, etc.),try thinking about this: everything we put into our bodies either helps or hinders how we function.

Wouldn't we want to make sure that we're eating the best possible ingredients we can source?

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (2)

Why This Detox Quinoa Salad Rocks

As this idea continues to grow and gets more attention, and the wellness world continues to expand, we as consumers are getting smarter. We're learning, we're evolving and with that change, the market shifts with us.

You can now find healthy, nutrient-dense food is becoming more accessible to us every day. It's available at airports, gas stations, restaurant menus, even fast food chains. And is almost as if eating healthy has become our new normal. It's embraced and celebrated.

So that's what we're doing with this detox quinoa salad. We're making healthy food taste good, but also deeply nourishing for your body. Here were my goals for creating this salad:

  1. It had to be full of foods that detoxify your body
  2. It had to be a salad that was allergy friendly (this has no: gluten, dairy, meat, egg, corn, soy, nuts, shellfish or sugar)
  3. The ingredients had to be easy to find (read: anyone can make this)
  4. It had to use fewer than 10 ingredients
  5. You have to be able to make it in less than 10 minutes

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (3)

What Foods Help with Detox?

The first was where I needed to do a little homework. I started researching foods that promoted detoxification and after getting a lot of conflicting information out there, I was able to finally narrow down a list of my 8 favorite detox foods.

To me, the term detox really means to support your internal systems that are responsible for detox. You don't need to go on any crazy cleanse or juice fast to detoxify. Your body does it naturally every single day.

So what you can do is support your organs – mainly your liver and digestive system – by feeding/fueling them with foods that help them do their jobs more effectively.

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (4)

Our Detox-Friendly Ingredients for this Quinoa Salad

After getting my list together it guided me in the right direction and from there I was able to check off those boxes I wanted to get. And while perhaps not everyingredientin this saladis detoxifying, many of them are. From that list (and a few others), I chose to include:

  • Beets.Beets not only contain many vitamins and minerals (like zinc, iron, and magnesium), but they also support both the gallbladder and the liver. Both organs are critical to our health as they help break down food and remove toxins.
  • Lemon.Lemon is often on the forefront when we talk about detoxing; and really, who doesn't love a little lemon? Lemons are alkaline-forming, meaning they help to balance out the acidity of many of the other foods we consume. Not only that, but lemon also stimulates enzymes that help to convert toxins into a form that our bodies can more easily release.
  • Garlic. Garlic is known to repel monsters, right? Well, it works the same with toxins. It's an antiviral, an antiseptic and an antibiotic. It all helps with detoxification.
  • Arugula. Arugula is part of the cruciferous family of vegetables (think broccoli, kale, cabbage, etc.) which means it's high in fiber and antioxidants. The fiber helps keep you regular which keeps your tummy happy and your digestive system in track.

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (5)

And on top of it all, this detox quinoa salad could not be easier to make. Really, you just toss the main salad ingredients into the bowl – arugula, steamed beets, chickpeas, and quinoa – then whisk up the dressing and toss it all together.

It makes a quick lunch, a perfect side dish or could even be eaten as a main course! Any which way you choose to whip it up, I think your taste buds and your tummy are going to be quite happy!

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (6)

More Detox Recipes to try:

  • Copycat Whole Foods Detox Salad
  • Hidden Veggie Pineapple Green Smoothie
  • Detox Turmeric Lentil Soup
  • Super Healthy Green Detox Soup

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad

4.2 from 53 votes

This healthy detox quinoa salad combines beets, chickpeas, arugulaand quinoa into a delicious and nutritious salad packed with detoxifying properties!

author: Alyssa

yield: 2 servings

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (7)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Total: 5 minutes minutes

Ingredients

for the dressing:

  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon coarse mustard
  • 1 garlic clove , grated
  • 1 tablespoon water (if needed)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix together all the salad ingredients.

  • Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients. Pour of the salad and toss until everything is combined.

  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes (optional) or serve immediately.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 475kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 998mg | Potassium: 849mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1035IU | Vitamin C: 9.2mg | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 5.8mg

cuisine: American

course: Salad

★★★★★

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Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (8)

Filed Under:

  • Dairy Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Lunch
  • Recipes
  • Salads
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
Easy Detox Quinoa Salad Recipe | 10 Minutes or Less - Simply Quinoa (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest way to eat quinoa? ›

Toss it in salads.

Quinoa is a complete source of protein and makes a great addition to a healthy salad. The combination of fiber, protein and healthy fats can turn a light side salad into a robust entrée.

How long does it take to cook quinoa? ›

Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh sieve until water runs clear. Transfer quinoa to a medium pot with water (or broth) and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, uncovered, until quinoa is tender and a white "tail" appears around each grain, about 15 minutes.

How much quinoa do I need for one person? ›

You'll need about 50g of quinoa per person (make sure to rinse it first) and chicken or vegetable stock. We can't emphasise using stock enough. It really makes a difference to the flavour, yet is subtle enough not to distract from your final dish.

Does quinoa burn belly fat? ›

It is very healthy due to its plant chemical contents that cause the secretion of appetite-suppressing hormones that curb your appetite. 25. Quinoa: High in protein, quinoa keeps you full with its high levels of plant-based proteins. It decreases your appetite and promotes belly fat decrease.

What does quinoa do to your gut? ›

Studies suggest quinoa may improve gut health by enhancing the diversity of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing the inflammatory symptoms of conditions like colitis. Acting as a prebiotic, quinoa supplies the fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, allowing them to thrive.

How much quinoa should I eat a day to lose weight? ›

Quinoa can be consumed anytime – at breakfast, lunch or dinner. But it is best to eat healthy food like quinoa before going to bed. It induces sleep, because it relaxes the muscles, due to its high magnesium and protein content. “One can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day.

What are the effects of eating quinoa everyday? ›

The fiber in quinoa can also help with cholesterol and blood sugar levels, lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Quinoa is rich in antioxidants, which can prevent damage to your heart and other organs. A diet high in antioxidants has been linked with a decreased risk of heart disease.

How many cups of quinoa can I eat in a day? ›

You can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day. You should avoid eating it if you experience stomachache, itchiness or vomiting after consuming it. A study by Harvard Public School of Health has reported that eating a bowl of quinoa daily is healthy and without any side effects.

What happens if you dont rinse quinoa? ›

It wasn't a huge difference in texture, but definitely noticeable. Rinsing quinoa definitely starts to hydrate the seeds. Flavor – In terms of flavor, the unrinsed quinoa definitely had a nuttier, earthier flavor, but I didn't find it bitter at all. The rinsed quinoa was definitely milder and the flavors more muted.

How do you make quinoa taste good? ›

Meat or meat broth works very well. We primarily cook our quinoa in pork broth with bits of leftover pork chop in it, and the rich flavor from the meat tones down the flavor of the quinoa. Strong flavors like onions or spices work too.

What to eat with quinoa? ›

Quinoa's got the carbs covered, so you'll likely want to add some additional protein (eggs, lentils, beans, tofu, chicken), a fat (olive oil, nuts, butter, cheese), and, ideally, some kind of fruit or vegetable (broccoli, berries, squash, spinach).

Is 1 cup of quinoa too much? ›

As for how much quinoa per day/meal, for adults, Caito recommends ½-1 cup per meal cooked. “I'm not so concerned with how many times per day, just the portion size per meal.” For children ages 2-13, McAlpine recommends 3-6 ounces of grains daily, depending on age, sex and activity level.

How much does 1 cup of quinoa make? ›

Now that your quinoa is rinsed or toasted, it's time to cook it. For 1 cup of uncooked quinoa, you'll want to use 2 cups of water—this will yield 3 cups of cooked quinoa. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the temperature to medium-low and pop the lid on securely.

Is quinoa healthy to eat everyday? ›

You can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day. You should avoid eating it if you experience stomachache, itchiness or vomiting after consuming it. A study by Harvard Public School of Health has reported that eating a bowl of quinoa daily is healthy and without any side effects.

Is quinoa better for you cooked or raw? ›

Quinoa can be eaten raw or uncooked if it is first soaked and sprouted, but some experts advise that quinoa should always be cooked, not consumed as a raw sprout. It is equally nutritious in sprout form, but cooking may be a safer and more versatile way to include it in your diet.

Is quinoa actually better for you than rice? ›

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice. A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

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