Ingredients
2 cups uncooked quinoa
1 (1.5 lbs) sirloin steak
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Rinse quinoa under cold water and drain thoroughly.
Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Set aside to cool slightly.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Season steak on both sides with cumin, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, remaining salt, and black pepper to make a simple dressing.
Add cooked quinoa, chopped bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and red onion to the bowl. Pour in the dressing and gently toss to combine.
Top the salad with sliced steak and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with a lemon wedge on the side for an added zesty finish.
Notes
For meal prep, store cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, and steak separately in airtight containers and combine just before eating.
This recipe can be customized with additional vegetables such as avocados, spinach, or shredded carrots.
For an oil-free option, substitute olive oil with a splash of additional lemon juice or a non-alcoholic balsamic vinaigrette.
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free; ensure all seasoning is certified gluten-free if dietary restrictions apply.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: High Protein Meals
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 85mg