Grilled Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad

What Started it all:
Quinoa, Sweet potato, olive oil, grill
This vibrant and healthy salad is perfect for a family meal. Packed with nutrients from the sweet potato and quinoa, and bursting with fresh flavors, it's a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome dish together.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and garlic powder.
- Place the sweet potato cubes on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, grilled sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and avocado.
- Add the fresh cilantro and lime juice.
- Toss everything together gently to combine.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
- Serve the salad immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful salad as a main dish or a side. It's a great way to bring everyone together for a healthy and delicious meal!