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- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste To make this savory quinoa salad, you need some key ingredients. First, quinoa is the star of the show. It is nutritious and gluten-free. You will also want fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper. These add color and crunch. Feta cheese brings a creamy, salty flavor that ties it all together. Lastly, the dressing, made from olive oil and lemon juice, brightens up the dish. - Nuts and seeds - Additional herbs You can customize your salad with optional add-ins. Nuts and seeds add crunch and healthy fats. Sunflower seeds or walnuts work well. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can give extra flavor. Experiment with what you love! - Measuring cups and spoons - Mixing bowls - Cooking pot To prepare this salad, you will need some basic kitchen tools. Measuring cups and spoons help with accurate portions. Mixing bowls are essential for combining your ingredients. A cooking pot is needed to cook the quinoa. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the complete instructions. Boiling the Vegetable Broth Start by pouring 2 cups of vegetable broth into a medium saucepan. Heat it on high until it boils. Watch closely to avoid spills. Simmering the Quinoa Once the broth is boiling, add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa. Cover the pot and turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The liquid should absorb, and the quinoa will get fluffy. When done, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork, then set it aside. Chopping and Dicing While your quinoa cooks, grab your fresh veggies. Chop 1 cucumber, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and chop 1/2 red bell pepper. Finely chop 1/2 red onion. Slice 1/3 cup of Kalamata olives. Combining Ingredients In a large bowl, mix all your chopped veggies. This bowl will soon hold all the vibrant flavors of your salad. Creating the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Add salt and black pepper to taste. This dressing brings all the flavors together. Tossing Ingredients Pour your dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything until well combined. Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Toss lightly again to mix them in. Enjoy the bright colors and fresh scents! For the complete steps, check the [Full Recipe]. Rinsing quinoa is key. It removes a bitter coating called saponin. To rinse, place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. Run cold water over it for about a minute. This simple step makes a big difference in flavor. Fluffing quinoa is equally important. After cooking, let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a fork to gently fluff it. This helps separate the grains and keeps the texture light. For the best pairings, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Both add protein and flavor. You can also serve the salad alongside a warm pita. This adds a nice touch to your meal. Plating is vital for visual appeal. Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl. You can also use individual plates. Garnish with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. This makes the dish pop. You can play with sweet or savory additions. Try adding diced apples or dried cranberries for sweetness. For a savory touch, consider adding capers or extra olives. Explore different dressing alternatives. Instead of lemon juice, try balsamic vinegar. You can also mix in yogurt for a creamy texture. These changes can give your salad a new life. For the full recipe, check out the complete steps to make your Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta! {{image_2}} You can brighten up your salad with a Mediterranean twist. Adding roasted vegetables gives a fun texture. Just toss in some zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Roast them until they are golden. This adds a warm, rich flavor to your dish. You can also include artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes. Both options boost taste and bring a tangy kick. Artichokes add a unique texture and flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness and depth. These small changes can make your salad feel fresh and exciting. For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken. Just slice it and mix it in. This makes the salad more filling and hearty. Chickpeas or black beans are great plant-based options too. They provide protein and fiber. Simply rinse and add them to the salad. Either choice keeps the dish healthy and satisfying. If you want to keep it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese. The salad will still be delicious and full of flavor. You can substitute feta with plant-based alternatives. Look for vegan feta made from nuts or tofu. These swaps keep your meal tasty while meeting dietary needs. You can enjoy a vibrant salad without losing any flavor! To keep your savory quinoa salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the salad in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. I like using glass containers because they don’t stain and are easy to clean. If you want to save the salad for later, freezing is a great option. Scoop the salad into freezer-safe bags. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pan on low heat, or enjoy it cold! How long will it last? In the fridge, your salad should be good for 3 to 5 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or change in color. If you see any mold, throw it away! Enjoy your salad fresh for the best taste. For the full recipe, check out the section above. You can try several cheeses in this salad. Here are some great options: - Goat cheese for a creamy texture. - Ricotta cheese for a mild flavor. - Cotija cheese for a crumbly bite. - Parmesan for a sharper taste. Each cheese adds its own twist to the salad, making it fun to experiment! Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time! It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. This way, the salad stays crisp and tasty. Yes, quinoa is gluten-free. It comes from a seed, not a grain. Many people who have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can enjoy quinoa safely. It’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for everyone. In this blog post, we explored how to make a fresh quinoa salad. We covered main ingredients, optional add-ins, and the right tools. You learned how to cook quinoa and prepare vegetables. I shared tips for perfecting the dish and suggested variations for more flavors. Remember to store your salad properly for the best taste. With these steps and tips, you can enjoy a delicious, healthy meal. Try it out and customize it to fit your taste.

Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta Quick and Healthy Dish

Looking for a quick and healthy dish that packs big flavor? My Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta is the answer! This dish combines fluffy…

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Classic Hummus Recipe Simple and Tasty Delight

Are you ready to make the best classic hummus ever? This recipe is simple and tasty, perfect for snack time or gatherings. With just…

To make the best classic hummus, gather these key items: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1/4 cup tahini - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt to taste - Water, as needed for consistency These ingredients create a smooth and tasty hummus. Each part plays a role. The chickpeas give the base, while tahini adds creaminess. Fresh lemon juice gives it a bright taste. Adding garnishes can make your hummus look and taste even better. Here are some great options: - Paprika - Fresh parsley - A drizzle of olive oil - Toasted pine nuts These extras can bring your dish to life. They also add color and flavor. Use what you enjoy! Using fresh and high-quality ingredients is key. Choose canned chickpeas that are firm and not mushy. Look for tahini made from pure sesame seeds. Fresh lemon juice is better than bottled. Always pick ripe garlic for the best flavor. These small choices make a big difference in your final dish. For the full recipe, follow the instructions and enjoy creating your classic hummus! To start, gather your ingredients. You need one can of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and salt. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. This keeps the hummus smooth. Add the chickpeas and tahini to your food processor. Pulse them together for about 30 seconds. This creates a nice base. Next, add the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Sprinkle in the ground cumin. Run the food processor for one minute. This blends everything well. After that, scrape down the sides of the bowl. Taste the mixture and add salt. If it’s too thick, add cold water. Use a tablespoon at a time. Keep blending until it’s creamy. Once smooth, scoop the hummus into a bowl. Drizzle some olive oil on top. Sprinkle paprika and fresh parsley for color. Serve it with fresh veggies or pita bread. You can also enjoy it with chips. This hummus pairs well with many snacks. For the full recipe, check out the Classic Hummus Delight section. To get that perfect creamy hummus, focus on your chickpeas. If you use canned chickpeas, rinse them well. For a richer texture, peel the chickpeas. It’s a bit more work, but it pays off. When blending, add cold water slowly. Start with one tablespoon at a time. Blend until smooth, and don’t rush this step. Your patience will lead to the best result. Hummus is great as is, but you can make it even better. Add a bit of lemon zest for brightness. You can also mix in roasted garlic for a sweet flavor. If you like heat, try adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Experiment with herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh twist. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. One common mistake is not blending long enough. Hummus should be smooth, not gritty. Another mistake is using too much water at once. This can make it runny. Be careful with salt; too much can overpower the taste. Finally, don’t skip the garnish. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika makes your hummus look and taste great. Follow these tips for a flawless batch every time. {{image_2}} Roasted garlic adds a sweet flavor to hummus. To make this, roast one head of garlic. Wrap it in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes. When it cools, squeeze the soft garlic into your classic hummus mix. Blend it well. This version has a rich and mellow taste. If you like heat, try spicy hummus. Start with your classic recipe. Add one roasted red pepper for a smoky kick. You can roast the pepper yourself or buy it jarred. Blend it in until smooth. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice. This hummus works great as a dip or spread. Herbs can brighten up hummus. You can add fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley. Start with a small handful. Blend them into the mix for a fresh taste. You can also use dried herbs. Try adding one teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme. This gives your hummus a new twist. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite flavor. Each variation keeps the base recipe but adds a fun twist. For the full recipe, check out the Classic Hummus Delight section. To keep your classic hummus fresh, always store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. If you make a big batch, divide it into smaller portions. That way, you can enjoy it without opening the whole container each time. If you add any toppings, store them separately. This keeps your hummus smooth and creamy. Fresh hummus can last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or mold. If you notice any changes, it’s best to throw it away. The taste might change after a few days, but it should still be safe to eat if stored right. You can freeze hummus for up to 3 months. To freeze it, place the hummus in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can also use ice cube trays for small portions. Just scoop the hummus into them and freeze. Once frozen, pop them out and store in a bag. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. This method keeps your hummus tasting great! Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. Soak them overnight in water. This softens them. After soaking, boil the chickpeas until tender. This process takes about one to two hours. Canned chickpeas are quick and easy, but dried ones can taste fresher. If you use dried chickpeas, remember to add some salt while cooking. To lower the fat in hummus, cut back on tahini and olive oil. You can replace tahini with more chickpeas instead. Add extra lemon juice for flavor. You can also try using low-fat yogurt. This gives creaminess without adding much fat. Always adjust salt and spices for taste. Hummus pairs well with many foods. You can serve it with fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Pita bread and pita chips work great too. Try using it as a spread in sandwiches or wraps. You can also add it to a salad for extra flavor. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. In this post, I covered key ingredients for hummus, from basics to garnishes. I shared steps to blend the right texture and suggested ways to serve it. Tips on creating that perfect creamy consistency and avoiding common mistakes are also included. You can even explore fun variations and smart storage tips to keep your hummus fresh. Embrace these ideas and have fun making hummus your way!