![- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped Quinoa is the star of this salad. It brings a nutty flavor and a fluffy texture. I always rinse it first to remove any bitter taste. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint add zest. They make each bite fresh and bright. Cherry tomatoes and cucumbers add crunch and sweetness. Bell peppers bring color and flavor. Red onion gives a slight bite that balances the dish. - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - Alternative dressings Feta cheese is a great addition if you love a creamy touch. It adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the herbs. If you want to switch up the dressing, try tahini or yogurt. These options can change the taste while keeping it fresh. - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Juice of 1 large lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil is my go-to for dressings. It adds smoothness and flavor. Fresh lemon juice and zest bring brightness. They make the salad taste lively. Salt and pepper help to enhance all the flavors. Just a pinch can make a big difference. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To start, rinse the quinoa under cold water. This removes any bitter taste. Next, in a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil. Once it boils, add the rinsed quinoa. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb the liquid and become fluffy. After cooking, remove it from heat and let it cool. While the quinoa cools, chop your vegetables. You will need cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Dice the cucumber and bell pepper into small pieces. For the red onion, chop it finely. Once chopped, place all the veggies in a large mixing bowl. This bowl will hold your salad. Now it’s time to add flavor! Toss in the chopped parsley and mint into the bowl with the veggies. If you like cheese, sprinkle in some crumbled feta cheese. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, and the lemon zest. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour this dressing over the salad and mix gently. Make sure everything is coated well. Your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is almost ready! To get that perfect fluffy texture, rinse your quinoa well in cold water. This removes any bitter taste. After cooking, let it sit covered for five minutes. Then, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. For cooling, spread the quinoa on a large plate. This helps it cool faster. You can also cover it with a clean towel to keep it warm if needed. To boost the flavor, try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika. These spices add a nice kick. You can also mix in some chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra taste. If you have dietary needs, swap the feta for avocado for creaminess. You can use a balsamic vinaigrette instead of the lemon dressing if you prefer a sweeter flavor. For a beautiful presentation, serve the salad in a large bowl. Garnish it with more herbs and lemon wedges for color. This makes it look fresh and inviting. Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also works great as a side dish for barbecues or picnics. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful salad for lunch or dinner. You can find the full recipe [here](#). {{image_2}} You can swap quinoa for other grains. Brown rice or farro work well. These grains add a different taste and texture. Both are gluten-free options. They are perfect for those with gluten allergies. You can also try millet or amaranth. These grains are nutritious and easy to find. Using seasonal vegetables makes this salad even better. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In summer, try corn or zucchini. Fall brings butternut squash, while winter can use roasted carrots. Fresh herbs also change with the seasons. Basil or dill can replace parsley or mint in summer. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, this salad fits well. Simply skip the feta cheese. Add more veggies or nuts for protein. For low-carb options, reduce the quinoa. You can replace it with cauliflower rice. This keeps the dish light and healthy. To keep your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal the lid tightly. If you want to freeze it, place the salad in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out any air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. For the best taste, eat the salad within 3 to 5 days. Store it in the fridge for freshness. If you see any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or slimy texture, throw it away. Always trust your senses; they guide you well in the kitchen. You can enjoy this salad cold or warm. If you choose to reheat, do so gently. Warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. If you prefer it cold, serve it straight from the fridge. The flavors stay bright and zesty that way. For the full recipe, visit the recipe section above. To cook quinoa, rinse it first. Rinsing removes the bitter coating. You can boil it in water or broth for added flavor. Use a two-to-one ratio of liquid to quinoa. Bring the liquid to a boil, then lower the heat and cover it. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy. Common mistakes include not rinsing the quinoa or using too much water. Both can lead to a mushy texture. Also, don't forget to fluff the quinoa after it cooks. This step makes it light and airy. Yes, you can make this salad in advance. It works great for meal prep. Just prepare the salad, but keep the dressing separate until you serve it. This helps keep the salad fresh and crunchy. For best storage, use an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the quinoa. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving. You can easily customize this salad to fit your taste. Add your favorite veggies like carrots, spinach, or bell peppers. You can also try different herbs, like basil or cilantro. For more flavor, consider adding nuts or seeds. Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds add a nice crunch. If you want a protein boost, you can add chickpeas or grilled chicken. Experiment with these options to find your perfect mix! For the full recipe, check the section above. In this post, we covered how to make a Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad. We explored the main ingredients, optional additions, and seasonings that bring flavor to the dish. You learned step-by-step instructions, including cooking quinoa and preparing vegetables. We also shared tips for perfecting your salad and variations for different diets. Finally, we looked at how to store leftovers and addressed common FAQs. Enjoy making this tasty salad and feel free to get creative with your ingredients!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/898821f7-31ba-491c-a008-039d38dec293-250x250.webp)
Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
Discover the refreshing taste of Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad that is perfect for any meal! This vibrant salad combines fluffy quinoa, fresh veggies, and a zesty lemon dressing for a burst of flavor in every bite. Packed with nutrients from cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs, it's a healthy option you’ll love. Click through for the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delicious dish!