Roasted Beet and Quinoa Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Are you craving a nutrient-packed meal that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye? Look no further than this vibrant Roasted Beet and Quinoa Salad with Orange Vinaigrette. This dish is a hit for those plant-based foodies looking for something both spectacular and satisfying and anyone invested in harnessing the beauty benefits of their meal. Resonating with the ardent admirers of plant-based beauty, this salad is not only a delight for your taste buds but also a powerful ally for your overall wellness, including your hair health – yes, especially for those with curly hair who are looking for an extra boost of nourishment.
Unveiling the Beauty Nutrients in Your Plate
Your food can be your secret beauty weapon. Each of the ingredients in this salad is a winner, packed with nutrients that play a crucial role in enhancing your natural beauty, inside and out.
- Beets – The natural pigments in beets, betalains, act as antioxidants that help remove toxins from the body for clearer skin. Beets are rich in vitamin C for collagen production, essential for skin elasticity and strong hair. Their high iron content can prevent anemia and hair loss.
- Quinoa – A complete plant-based protein, quinoa is high in lysine, which is essential for hair growth and repair. It’s also rich in iron and zinc, vital minerals for hair health.
- Oranges – Bursting with vitamin C, oranges are a key player in the body’s collagen production, supporting skin elasticity and integrity.
- Spinach – A powerhouse of iron and vitamin A, which can work wonders for your skin and hair, supporting cell repair and maintaining moisture.
- Almonds – High in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells, including those of your skin and hair, from damage.
- Avocado – Loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, avocados are a great source of moisture for your skin and promote scalp health.
Plant-Based Eats for a Beautiful You
It’s not just about what you put on your skin, but what you put in your body that matters. This plant-based salad is a comprehensive package for radiant health that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
For the Love of Beets
Beets have been revered for their health benefits for centuries. The pigments in beets, betacyanins, and betaxanthins, are potent antioxidants that help eliminate toxins from the body, supporting clear skin and shiny hair. They also contain potassium, which promotes hydration to keep your skin and hair cells healthy.
Quinoa, the Complete Protein
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body can’t produce on its own. These amino acids are the building blocks of both proteins and neurotransmitters, essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Bountiful Benefits of Oranges
Consuming oranges can do wonders for your skin. The high vitamin C content in oranges is key for collagen production, vital for maintaining the tissues in your skin and hair.
Spinach, the Iron-Rich Superleaf
Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss. Spinach is loaded with iron, as well as vitamin A, which is a key nutrient for fighting against dry skin and improving its elasticity.
Almonds for Allovers
Almonds are high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that fights against the free radicals known to accelerate aging. It also contains biotin, which is essential for the health of your hair, skin, and nails.
Avocados to Nourish Inside and Out
Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, avocados do wonders in keeping the skin plump and hydrated. The vitamin E content can aid in maintaining healthy skin and hair.
The Recipe: Roasted Beet and Quinoa Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Now, without further ado, it’s time to bring these ingredients together to create not just a salad, but a symphony of color, taste, and health benefits. It’s time to satisfy your appetite and to serve a dish that’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your beauty regimen.
Salad Ingredients
- 3 medium beets, peeled and diced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup almonds, slivered
- 1 avocado, diced
Orange Vinaigrette Ingredients
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, drizzle the diced beets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- In a medium pot, combine the quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange zest and juice, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted beets, orange segments, baby spinach, almonds, and avocado.
- Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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