Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad Recipe
This Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or side. It combines fluffy quinoa with vibrant vegetables and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. Optional feta cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor, making this salad both satisfying and nutritious.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
Dressing & Add-ins
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Prepare Vegetables and Herbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the quinoa has cooled, fluff it with a fork and add it to the bowl with the vegetables and herbs.
- Add Dressing and Season: Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together until well mixed. If using, add the crumbled feta cheese and fold it in carefully for even distribution.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend beautifully.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese.
- Use vegetable broth for cooking quinoa to enhance flavor, or substitute with water for a lighter taste.
- Feel free to add other fresh herbs like dill or basil for more herbal complexity.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
- The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use a clear glass bowl for an attractive presentation showcasing the colorful vegetables.
Keywords: lemon herb quinoa salad, quinoa salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, Mediterranean salad, fresh salad, light lunch
Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/lemon-herb-quinoa-salad-recipe/
