5 from 12 votes
Confetti Quinoa Salad
Confetti Quinoa Salad combines fluffy cooked quinoa with a variety of chopped vegetables including bell pepper, cabbage, broccoli, kale, and green onions. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and topped optionally with crunchy tortilla strips and barbecue-flavored ranch dressing, this salad offers a colorful, hearty mix with contrasting textures and flavors.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
13 mins
Total Time
28 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
191 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa dry
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup bell pepper any color, diced
- ½-¾ cup cabbage any color, finely chopped
- 1-2 cups broccoli chopped florets
- ½-1 cup kale finely chopped
- 2-3 green onion stalks, chopped
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- tortilla strips for topping; optional, crunchy, seasoned
- ½ cup ranch dressing barbecue flavored
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa
- First use a sieve to rinse the quinoa. Even if the label says "triple-rinsed" rinse yourself for best results. Add to a small saucepan with 1 ½ cups water and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to a low simmer and cover the pot, leaving lid slightly ajar. Cook for 12-14 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and liquid has been absorbed.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate to cool. For faster cooling, place plate in the fridge for a few minutes.
Cup of Yum
Prep the Vegetables
- While the quinoa cooks, finely chop the veggies and pile them into a large bowl.
Barbecue Ranch
- To make your own barbecue ranch, simply grab your favorite homemade or store-bought ranch dressing and mix 1/2 cup of ranch with 2 TBSP of your favorite BBQ sauce. Taste, then add additional barbecue sauce to taste for a totally custom flavor.
Salad Time!
- Once the quinoa is good to go, mix it into the veggies because, duh, salad.
- Portion into bowls, drizzle with dressing and top with tortilla strips. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can make homemade tortilla strips as a topping by following the referenced blog post recipe or use store-bought strips as a shortcut.
- Crushed tortilla chips can also add a crunchy texture alternative to tortilla strips.
- Nutrition facts are only estimated; adjust ingredients and servings as needed to suit your needs.
Nutrition Information
Calories
191kcal
(10%)
Carbohydrates
27g
(9%)
Protein
5g
(10%)
Fat
7g
(11%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Cholesterol
3mg
(1%)
Sodium
246mg
(10%)
Potassium
342mg
(7%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
1496IU
(30%)
Vitamin C
55mg
(61%)
Calcium
45mg
(5%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 191
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 191kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 246mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 342mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1496IU | 30% |
| Vitamin C | 55mg | 61% |
| Calcium | 45mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.