QUINOA WITH MINT, CILANTRO & RED ONION
Feb 13, 2025This refreshing Quinoa with Mint, Cilantro, and Red Onion recipe is a light and nutritious dish perfect for springtime rejuvenation. With the freshness of mint and cilantro paired with the hearty protein of quinoa, it's an ideal meal for those looking to cleanse their system, combat spring allergies, and embrace the new energy of the season. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, this dish is a wonderful addition to any meal, whether you're enjoying a quiet lunch at home or a picnic in the sunshine.
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients:
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1 cup Quinoa (Vata, Pitta, Kapha pacifying)
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2 cups Water
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1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (Vata pacifying, Pitta aggravating, Kapha pacifying)
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1 cup Cilantro, finely chopped (Tridoshic)
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2 whole Limes, juiced (Tridoshic)
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2 tablespoons Mint, finely chopped (Vata aggravating, Pitta pacifying, Kapha pacifying)
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1/3 cup Olive Oil (Vata pacifying, Pitta aggravating, Kapha aggravating)
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1/4 cup Red Onion, finely chopped (Vata aggravating, Pitta aggravating, Kapha pacifying)
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1 teaspoon Mineral Salt (Vata pacifying, Pitta aggravating, Kapha aggravating)
Preparation:
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Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. Bring the quinoa and 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Avoid over-stirring to prevent the quinoa from becoming mushy.
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While the quinoa cooks, finely chop the mint and red onions.
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In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked quinoa with black pepper, chopped cilantro, lime juice, mint, olive oil, and red onion. Combine well to ensure the flavors meld together.
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Serve the quinoa salad immediately, or for enhanced flavor, chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.
How This Recipe Promotes Wellness:
This Quinoa with Mint, Cilantro, and Red Onion salad is not only a delight to the taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits, particularly during the spring season. Quinoa is a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent food choice for energy and vitality. Mint and cilantro act as natural diuretics, helping to alleviate water retention and cleanse the system, while their cooling properties soothe and reduce inflammation. Red onion adds a crisp texture and has a cleansing effect on the liver.
Clinical Ayurvedic Review:
As we transition from winter to spring, our bodies undergo significant changes, including shedding excess winter fat. This recipe is perfectly aligned with the needs of this season, helping to lighten the blood and reduce mucus congestion. The ingredients chosen are known for their ability to stimulate digestion, invigorate the circulatory system, and support the body's natural detoxification processes.
This dish is particularly beneficial for balancing Kapha dosha, which can become aggravated during the spring with symptoms like water retention and mucus buildup. However, those with a Vata constitution should note that mint might be too drying, and raw onions might be too intense. For a more Vata-friendly version, consider lightly sautéing the onions to soften their intensity.
Enjoy this Quinoa with Mint, Cilantro, and Red Onion as a standalone meal or as a refreshing side dish. Its light, nourishing qualities make it an excellent choice for embracing the vitality of spring, supporting your body's natural rhythms, and enjoying the fresh, vibrant flavors of the season.
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