IÂ decided to switch to a healthier diet to lose weight and improve my overall well-being. Therefore, while searching for healthy and delicious recipes, I discovered Gordon Ramsay Quinoa Salad, which is a delectable addition to my new diet plan.
The ingredients included quinoa, nuts, and veggies, which was exactly what I was looking for. The recipe itself was so tempting that I was instantly drawn to it.
Before I knew it, I was making this salad in my kitchen. The ingredients were simple and easily available, and the salad was ready in just 30 minutes. Its fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, flaked almonds, and zesty dressing perfectly complement the nutty flavor of quinoa.
I really appreciate Ramsay for coming up with such healthy and delightful recipes that are the need of the hour. However, he has also left enough room for us to experiment with this recipe per our tastes and preferences.
So, let’s explore this delightful and nutritious recipe in detail so that you can get the best possible version of this healthy salad on your plate.
Equipment Required
- Small Bowls: I assemble all the ingredients in small bowls before starting with the salad.
- Deep Pot: While I use a deep pot to cook the quinoa, you can also use a Dutch oven or a deep vessel.
- Sieve: I prefer using a sieve to drain the excess water from the quinoa. However, you can use any strainer with minute holes.
- Peeler: While I use a peeler to peel the cucumber skin, you can also use a sharp knife if you’re a pro at it.
- Sharp Knife: I use a sharp knife to chop all the veggies and almonds evenly.
- Chopping Board: I chop them all using a wooden board, but you can also use plastic or steel boards.
- Plate: You will need a plate to spread the quinoa and cool it down. You can also use a tray for it.
- Salad Bowl: A salad bowl is required to mix all the ingredients together. However, any large bowl will work.
- Salad Spoon: While using hands is best for mixing the ingredients, if you are not comfortable with them, you can use any salad spoon to combine.
Gordon Ramsay Quinoa Salad Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The ingredients used in this recipe will help you make four servings. However, you can adjust the quantities of the ingredients as per your requirements.
- 7 Ounces Quinoa: I have also tried this recipe using millet and brown rice, and it tastes equally delicious.
- 1.7 Ounce Flaked Almonds: Pecans or walnuts can also be used as an alternative in this recipe.
- 4.4 Ounces Cherry Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes can also be used.
- 1.7 Ounces Raisins: Dried cranberries or dates can be used as an alternative option for this recipe.
- 4 Spring Onions (trimmed and finely chopped): Chives and regular onions can be used as alternatives.
- A Bunch of Mint (leaves only): If you don’t have mint, you can also use parsley or cilantro.
- 1 Lemon: Vinegar or lime juice can be substituted.
- ½ Large Cucumber
- Olive Oil (for drizzling): Nut oil or sunflower oil can be substituted in this salad.
- Sea Salt (to taste): Kosher, Himalayan pink salt, or black salt can be substituted in this salad recipe.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: You can also use white pepper as an alternative in this recipe.
Preparation And Cooking Time
Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
15 Minutes | 25 Minutes | 40 Minutes |
How To Make Gordon Ramsay Quinoa Salad At Home
Step 1
Keep a deep pot with salted water over medium heat and boil rinsed quinoa in it.
Step 2
Cook the quinoa for 10 to 11 minutes. Once cooked, turn off the heat and drain the excess liquid.
Step 3
Cook the quinoa for 10 to 11 minutes. Once cooked, turn off the heat and drain the excess liquid.
Step 4
Once cooled down, add the quinoa, chopped cucumber, and tomatoes to the bowl.
Step 5
On the other hand, dry roast the almond flakes in a frying pan until golden brown, then transfer them to a salad bowl along with the raisins, mint, and finely chopped spring onions.
Step 6
Season it well with salt and pepper. Then, add a few drops of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to the salad bowl. Mix all the ingredients gently using both hands.
Step 7
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with the remaining mint leaves and serve.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I always rinse quinoa before cooking it to cut down the bitter flavor.
- I use 2 cups of water for 1 cup of quinoa to get a perfect fluffy quinoa.
- Sometimes, I also add boiled chickpeas to make this salad even more hearty and satisfying. You can add other legumes as well, like cooked kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans.
- I monitor the time while cooking quinoa, as overcooking it can make it mushy. It just has to be cooked al dente to maintain a nice texture.
FAQs About Gordon Ramsay Quinoa Salad
Nutritional Information Per Serving
This Gordon Ramsay Quinoa salad is absolutely healthy and is packed with a lot of health benefits. I have added the nutritional value of the ingredients used in making this salad for your reference:
Calories | 311 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 49 g |
Protein | 11 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 3 g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 5 g |
Trans Fat | 1 g |
Sodium | 15 mg |
Potassium | 647 mg |
Fiber | 7 g |
Sugar | 3 g |
Vitamin A | 313 IU |
Vitamin C | 26 mg |
Calcium | 79 mg |
Iron | 4 mg |
This salad can be consumed by people following a vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free diet.
Recipe Variations For Different Diet
- Keto-Friendly Diet: Quinoa is not recommended for people following a keto diet. However, they can substitute quinoa for barley, oats, or millets.
- Sodium-Free Diet: Quinoa has a nutty flavor and doesn’t require much of a salt. However, people following a sodium-free diet can substitute nu-salt for regular salt in the dressing.
Storing This Recipe
- On The Countertop: You can keep the quinoa salad at room temperature for 2 hours.
- In The Refrigerator: I usually store the leftovers of this salad in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It can last for about 5 days in the refrigerator.
What To Serve With This Recipe
I prefer having this quinoa salad with healthy Broccoli Soup. However, it also goes well with Burrito Bowls, Chicken Tenders, Grilled Fish etc.
You can also use this salad as a filling in your Tacos and Wraps. Adding in boiled chickpeas and other vegetables can also enhance the flavor of this salad. You can also try different salad dressings in this salad to get a distinctive taste profile.
Printable Version
Gordon Ramsay Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 7 Ounces Quinoa
- 1.7 Ounce Flaked Almonds
- 4.4 Ounces Cherry Tomatoes
- 1.7 Ounces Raisins
- 4 Spring Onions trimmed and finely chopped
- Mint leaves only
- 1 Lemon
- ½ Large Cucumber
- Olive Oil for drizzling
- Sea Salt to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Equipment
- Small Bowls
- Deep Pot
- Sieve
- Peeler
- Sharp Knife
- Chopping Board
- Plate
- Salad Bowl
- Salad Spoon
Instructions
- Keep a deep pot with salted water over medium heat and boil rinsed quinoa in it.
- Cook the quinoa for 10 to 11 minutes. Once cooked, turn off the heat and drain the excess liquid.
- Now spread the cooked quinoa on the plate and let it cool down for a few minutes.
- Once cooled down, add the quinoa, chopped cucumber, and tomatoes to the bowl.
- On the other hand, dry roast the almond flakes in a frying pan until golden brown, then transfer them to a salad bowl along with the raisins, mint, and finely chopped spring onions.
- Season it well with salt and pepper. Then, add a few drops of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to the salad bowl. Mix all the ingredients gently using both hands.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with the remaining mint leaves and serve.
Video
Notes
- I always rinse quinoa before cooking it to cut down the bitter flavor.
- I use 2 cups of water for 1 cup of quinoa to get a perfect fluffy quinoa.
- Sometimes, I also add boiled chickpeas to make this salad even more hearty and satisfying. You can add other legumes as well, like cooked kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans.
- I monitor the time while cooking quinoa, as overcooking it can make it mushy. It just has to be cooked al dente to maintain a nice texture.
Nutrition
More Gordon Ramsay Recipes That You Can Try
Conclusion
Gordon Ramsay’s Quinoa Salad allows you to enjoy a delicious meal while staying mindful of your diet. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this salad offers a range of health benefits, including supporting heart health and providing essential vitamins and minerals.
So, go ahead and follow this recipe to enjoy this relishing salad with your loved ones. Please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions about this healthy salad in the comment section below.