| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 263 | 15g | 2g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 9g | 0.24g |
I first fell in love with the Miner’s Lettuce and Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes during a trip to the farmer’s market on a hot summer day. The vibrant colors of miner’s lettuce and ripe cherry tomatoes popped out at me from the stalls, and the salad I ended up crafting was a refreshing and nourishing tribute to the end of a beautiful day.
Finding the perfect balance
As someone who’s used to combining Caribbean flavors with Spanish classics, finding the distinctive earthiness of miner’s lettuce, the subtle nuttiness of quinoa, and the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes in a single dish was positively thrilling. To that, add a dash of traditional Spanish olive oil, a squirt of fresh lemon juice, and a hint of minced garlic —and voila— you’ve found the perfect harmony.
What sets the Miner’s Lettuce and Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes apart for me is that it manages to be both incredibly healthy and utterly delicious, making it an ideal dish for everyone from fitness enthusiasts to foodies.
Incredible Health Benefits
Quinoa, one of the main components in this salad, is known for being a fantastic source of protein. But did you also know it’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals? Similarly, miner’s lettuce is a formidable source of Vitamin C. Both ingredients, in combination with the antioxidant properties of cherry tomatoes, make for a meal that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
Additionally, the olive oil in the salad doesn’t merely serve to tease out the flavors of the ingredients; it also adds a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats, which are known to boost heart health. All together, this salad embodies my mantra: good food equals good mood!
Perfectly Versatile
Another reason I love this salad is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with dishes from my Cuban-Spanish heritage, such as a refreshing glass of classic mojito or alongside a plate of traditional paella. At the same time, it’s also a sublime stand-alone dish, making it perfect for a quick lunch or an elegant starter.
In conclusion, the Miner’s Lettuce and Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. It’s healthy but tasty, simple but elegant, and, most importantly, absolutely delicious. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 pinch of salt
- 4 cups chopped miner’s lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Combine the uncooked quinoa, water, and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the quinoa cook for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed.
Step Two
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the miner’s lettuce by thoroughly washing and chopping it.
Step Three
Next, the cherry tomatoes need to be prepared. Rinse them under cold water before cutting them in half.
Step Four
To create the dressing, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step Five
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped miner’s lettuce, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the dressing over the top.
Step Six
Finally, toss everything together ensuring that the salad is well coated in the dressing. It can be served immediately, or refrigerated for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
