When you are goal oriented mimicking a diet suitable for you is necessary and this yummy delicious salad will not be just healthy but exciting to include in your meal. I present the Avocado Quinoa Power Salad — a protein-packed, healthy meal that gives you LIFE. This avocado salad is designed to keep you full yet still help with those fitness–friendly goals! Full of: healthy fats, plant-based protein, fiber, and nutrients-good-for-youThis salad was great for meal prep and also made a satisfying post-workout lunch.
In this article, I’m going to lay out the benefits of the Avocado Quinoa Power Salad and provide you with a step-by-step recipe. If you’re an athlete or are simply getting started with a cleaner diet, this salad fits right into your menu.
Avocado Quinoa Power Salad For Fitness Enthusiasts
NuttZo Avocado Quinoa Power Salad:Packed with 15 plant-based ingredients, this was (again) designed specifically to give your body the most nutrients for energy, muscle recovery, and immunity. The following are some of the main reasons why you should incorporate this salad into your fitness meal plan:
Quinoa contains a High amount of Plant-Based Protein:Quinoa is a complete protein, which means that it contains all nine essential amino acids. This is excellent for those who want to put on size, build lean muscle, or are looking for protein sources as a vegetarian or vegan.
High in Healthy Fats:Avocado is full of monounsaturated omega-3 fats to give you lasting energy, support nutrient absorption, and feed your brain. The healthy fats make you full and prevent hunger leading to overeating.
High In Fiber:Quinoa and avocados are high-fiber foods that promote digestion, blood sugar control, and weight management. Additionally, fiber is a great gut health booster; and also essential for nutrient assimilation and vitality.
Packed with Goodness:This powerhouse saladnot only has greens but all the vitamins and minerals to go with it, potassium, magnesium & antioxidants help reduce inflammation, aid muscle function, and keep you on an even keel.
Low-carb:Perfect for anyone eating a low or lean-carb diet, this salad keeps carbs at bay but gives you all you need (namely fiber and energy) to keep the meal balanced.
Avocado Quinoa Power Salad Ingredients
Fresh Avocado Quinoa Power Salad Ingredients for Making
For the Salad:
1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup baby spinach or arugula
2-3 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley
Feta cheese (I use it only if protein needs a boost, or I want more flavor)
For the Dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe: Step By Step Avocado Quinoa Power Salad
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
First, rinse 1 cup of quinoa to remove the bitterness. Now add the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water into a medium size saucepan together. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer, and cover for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Cook the quinoa then allow to cool on the side.
Stage 2: Preheating the Vegetables
Cook the quinoa while washing and cutting up all the fresh veggies. Chop avocados, chop cherry tomatoes in half, chop cucumber, and thinly slice red onion. Add the vegetables in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper in a small bowl and mix. The avocado is creamy and the quinoa heart so a spritz of lemon juice makes a perfect dressing that is tangy and fresh.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, mix in the prepared vegetables and quinoa once it has cooled to room temperature. Pour in the baby spinach or arugula and toss lightly to combine. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Add a bit of fresh parsley or cilantro to the top, along with crumbled feta cheese (if desired), for extra creaminess/protein.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Enjoy the Avocado Quinoa Power Salad immediately, or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days! To meal prep, divide the salad into individual containers, and only add in the avocado right before eating so it does not brown.
Avocado Quinoa Power Salad Nutritional Benefits
Containing just the right blend of protein, fats, and carbs (yum!) this power salad is perfect for a post-workout recovery or simply as an all-around healthy, clean-eating meal. Check out the nutritional contents of lentils.
Calories: ~400 per serving
Protein:10g-12g (depends on the quinoa and optional feta)
Good Fats: 15-20g (from avocado, olive oil)
Carbs:35-40 (mainly quinoa and vegetables)
Fiber:12g (from quinoa, avocados and vegetables)
It makes the Avocado Quinoa Power Salad a protein-rich meal to support muscle repair, a fat-soluble vitamin-rich swap for sustained energy (good fats help transport nutrients into your body) while feeding your cells with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In addition to this, fresh vegetables contain antioxidant vitamins and minerals that fight inflammation and keep our immune system strong.
Fitness Application of the Salad
Post-Workout Meal: This quinoa and avocado salad is a great meal option for post-workout or recovery after working out. It is what supplies nutrition to the muscles so they can recover and refill their glycogen levels after a sesh.
Meal Prep: For all of you who like to have a salad packed for your lunch, here you go. Mix it up on your prep day, portion it out, and add avocado right before eating a fresh meal every day.
Portable Fuel:Take it to the gym, office, or on a busy day for a complete meal…on-the-go nutrition.
Weight Control:With its high fiber, you will feel satiated for longer and less temptation to break your routine – keeping your figure-fit mood. Not to mention the good fats in avocado, which have been shown to help control blood sugar and curb hunger.
Other Posts You Might Enjoy: Tips for the Perfect Avocado Quinoa Power Salad
Protein add-on:if you want to up your protein intake with this salad consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or some hard-boiled eggs.
Change Your Greens: If you’re tired of eating spinach or arugula, use kale for variety.
Mix In Grains: If you need a more substantial salad mix in other grains such as brown rice or farro to get full faster and increase the fiber, and nutrient content.
Vegan Option: Go fully plant-based and omit the feta cheese (use nutritional yeast instead of a hit if you want to up your B vitamins, and give a cheesy flavor).
Adjust Your Dressing:For a silkier, smoother dressing you could add Greek yogurt or mashed avocado into your vinaigrette.
Conclusion
Avocado Quinoa Power Salad is a nutrient-dense simple and delicious meal that compliments the active fitness crowd. The plant-based protein, great fats, and fiber from the vegetables are a perfect way to nourish your body with clean wholesome foods. Ideally for someone who is about to do an intense workout, or training or for someone wanting to get healthier. The perfect salad to add to your fitness meal plan!
