🥗 Lemon-Kissed Quinoa Salad

A calming, colourful bowl of plant-powered energy.

💚 Description

This light yet satisfying salad is perfect for resetting body and mind. Every ingredient brings colour, crunch, and nourishment — and the act of chopping and assembling is its own mindful practice. Take a breath, slow your pace, and let your cutting board become a calm board.

🥣 Ingredients

For the salad

• 2 cups cooked quinoa (fluffy, cooled)

• ½ red bell pepper, diced

• ½ yellow or orange bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup chickpeas, cooked or canned (rinsed + drained)

• ¼ cup toasted almond slivers

• ¼ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened, if possible)

• Handful of fresh parsley or mint, finely chopped (optional)

For the lemon vinaigrette

• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tsp maple syrup (or to taste)

• 3 tbsp flax oil or olive oil

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for body)

• Freshly ground pepper to taste

🔪 Directions

1. Cook the quinoa: Rinse well, cook until fluffy, and let cool.

2. Chop mindfully: Dice peppers and herbs using slow, rhythmic knife strokes — breathe and stay present as you move.

3. Toast almonds: Lightly toast in a dry pan until golden and fragrant.

4. Mix the vinaigrette: Whisk or shake all dressing ingredients in a jar until emulsified.

5. Assemble: Combine quinoa, peppers, chickpeas, almonds, and cranberries in a large bowl.

6. Dress and serve: Pour over the lemon vinaigrette and toss gently. Taste, adjust, and enjoy.

💚 For More Satiety & Mineral Support

Add grounding, magnesium-rich or anti-inflammatory options:

• Avocado cubes (added at the end) for creaminess and healthy fat.

• Steamed broccoli florets or baby kale for added greens and fiber.

• Hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of (or alongside) almonds — both excellent nervous system allies.

💛 For More Depth in the Dressing

Keep your lemon vinaigrette as the base but try one of these gentle upgrades:

• Add a bit of lemon zest for brightness.

• Whisk in 1 tsp tahini to make it silky and slightly creamy (without turning it heavy).

• A few grated garlic or minced shallot for depth.

• For Reset-aligned creaminess, you can blend the dressing with a small piece of roasted or steamed yellow pepper— it thickens naturally and adds colour.

💜 Optional Finishing Touches

These little details make it look chef-crafted:

• Garnish with microgreens or sprouts for visual height and freshness.

• A quick dusting of smoked paprika for colour contrast and tang.

• Serve it on a bed of baby spinach or arugula if you want to show plating layers.

✨ Nervous System Note

When you slow down your movements — chopping, stirring, even plating — you cue safety to your body. The repetitive rhythm and focus of knife work naturally support regulation. Let this salad be a moment of nourishment for both body and nervous system.