Amaranth Salad

The Amaranth Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the nutty flavor of cooked amaranth with a variety of fresh vegetables. This salad is packed with colorful ingredients, making it not only visually appealing but also a delicious blend of textures and flavors. The crispness of cucumber, sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and crunch of bell peppers complement the fluffy amaranth beautifully. Tossed in a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is perfect for a light meal, a side dish, or as a refreshing option for a picnic or potluck.

For a Serving Size of Two:

Ingredients:

• 100 grams cooked amaranth
• 100 grams diced cucumber
• 100 grams halved cherry tomatoes
• 50 grams diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
• 50 grams finely chopped red onion
• 50 grams chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional, for garnish)

Procedure:

• In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and add amaranth. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the grains are tender and the water is absorbed. Let it cool.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked amaranth, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
• If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving. Enjoy the salad immediately or let it chill for a while to enhance the flavors.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Calories: 488 kcal
• Protein: 30.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.3 g
• Fat: 39.3 g