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- 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1 cucumber - 1/4 cup red onion - 1/4 cup fresh parsley - 1/4 cup fresh mint - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Optional: 1/4 cup feta cheese The base of this Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is the quinoa. First, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This step helps remove any bitterness. Next, we cook it in 2 cups of vegetable broth or water for extra flavor. I add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for sweetness. They burst with flavor in every bite. A diced cucumber adds a crisp texture that I love. Finally, I include 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. This gives the salad a nice bite. Herbs are key for freshness. I use 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of fresh mint. These herbs brighten the dish. I also season it with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing brings everything together. I mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and zest from 1 lemon in a bowl. This adds a zing to the salad. If you want creaminess, add 1/4 cup of feta cheese. It makes the salad rich and tasty. Gather all these ingredients and get ready to create a fresh and flavorful salad! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Step 1: Rinse the quinoa Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This step removes any bitter taste. - Step 2: Combine with broth and bring to boil In a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over high heat. - Step 3: Simmer and fluff quinoa When it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. When done, remove it from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff it gently with a fork and move it to a large bowl to cool. - Step 4: Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and onion While the quinoa cools, chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1 cucumber, and 1/4 cup of red onion. - Step 5: Mix in herbs and feta cheese In a small bowl, combine the chopped veggies with 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, 1/4 cup of fresh mint, and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, if you like. - Step 6: Whisk dressing ingredients In another bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste. - Step 7: Combine ingredients and adjust seasoning Once the quinoa has cooled, add the vegetable mix to the quinoa bowl. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Step 8: Chill before serving Cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors blend beautifully. To make your quinoa fluffy, rinse it first. This removes the bitter coating. Use two cups of broth or water. A common mistake is cooking it too long. Follow the 15-20 minute rule. After cooking, let it sit for five minutes. This helps the grains separate. For the best taste, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend well. If you want a kick, add spices like cumin or paprika. These spices work well with the lemon and herbs. Serve the salad in a large bowl for a colorful display. You can also use individual plates for a fancy touch. For garnishes, sprinkle more fresh herbs on top. Feta cheese adds a nice finish if you choose to use it. Pro Tips Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter. Add Flavor to the Cooking Liquid: For more flavorful quinoa, cook it in vegetable broth instead of water, or add herbs and spices to the cooking liquid. Cool Properly: Allow the quinoa to cool to room temperature before adding vegetables and dressing to prevent wilting. Let It Chill: For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to meld. {{image_2}} You can boost the protein in your lemon herb quinoa salad easily. Adding grilled chicken or shrimp makes a filling meal. For a vegetarian option, toss in chickpeas. These additions not only add protein but also create great textures. Using seasonal ingredients keeps your salad fresh and bright. In spring, try adding asparagus for a crispy bite. As summer rolls in, substitute in vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. These changes make the salad more vibrant and flavorful. Dressings can change the whole dish. You can make a creamy dressing if you want a rich taste. Yogurt or tahini works great. For a lighter option, use vinegar-based dressings like balsamic or red wine vinegar. Each dressing gives the salad a unique twist. To keep your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use a sealed container. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Make sure it cools down before sealing. Avoid letting it sit out for too long. This salad stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Look for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks slimy, it’s time to toss it. Fresh herbs will wilt, and the colors may fade over time. You can freeze this salad, but it’s best to leave out the herbs and feta. These ingredients do not freeze well. To freeze, place the quinoa in an airtight container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Avoid using a microwave, as it can change the texture. After thawing, mix in fresh herbs and feta for the best flavor. Quinoa is a tiny seed that acts like a grain. It is packed with protein and fiber. This makes it a great choice for meals. One cup of cooked quinoa has about 8 grams of protein. It also contains important vitamins and minerals, like magnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten-free, making it safe for many diets. It has all the essential amino acids, which is rare for plant foods. For these reasons, many call it a superfood. Eating quinoa can help with weight control, heart health, and digestion. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. This can save you time, especially for busy days. Just store it in the fridge. The flavors will blend better when it sits. To prep, make sure the quinoa is cool before mixing in the veggies and dressing. You can keep the salad fresh for up to three days. Just remember to stir it before serving. If you want a dairy-free option, use tofu or avocado. Both add creaminess to the salad. You can also try a nut-based cheese for a good flavor. If you prefer, other cheeses work too. Goat cheese or Parmesan can be tasty swaps. Just choose what you like best! This salad combines nutritious quinoa, fresh veggies, and vibrant herbs. You learned how to prepare each component, mix flavors, and present it nicely. I've shared tips for making it delicious and ideas for variations to suit your taste. You can store leftovers long-term or enjoy them fresh. Remember, variations can keep your meals exciting. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe and make it your own!

Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

A refreshing salad made with quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole cucumber, diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 whole lemon zest
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables. In a small bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta cheese (if using).
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  • Once the quinoa has cooled to room temperature, add the vegetable mixture to the quinoa bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad.
  • Gently toss everything together until combined and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Keyword healthy, quinoa, salad, vegetarian