![This Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is bright and full of flavor. You will need fresh veggies and herbs to make it shine. The quinoa adds a nice, nutty base that pairs well with the lemon dressing. Here are the ingredients for this tasty dish: - 1 cup quinoa (rinsed) - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional) - Juice of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste If you need to swap some ingredients, here are some great options: - Use quinoa blends or bulgur instead of quinoa. - Swap cherry tomatoes for diced regular tomatoes. - Try cucumbers or zucchinis for a crunch. - Use any sweet bell pepper you like. - Replace feta cheese with a dairy-free option or skip it. - You can use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a twist. Feel free to mix and match! This salad is versatile, so you can make it your own. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. First, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitter taste. Next, in a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb the liquid and become fluffy. After cooking, remove it from the heat and let it cool. While the quinoa cools, prepare your vegetables. Take 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Dice 1 cucumber and 1 bell pepper (red or yellow). Finely chop 1/2 red onion. In a large mixing bowl, add the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Once the quinoa is cool, add it to the bowl with the veggies. Gently fold everything together so the flavors mix well. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together the juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the quinoa salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup of chopped mint leaves, and 1/4 cup of feta cheese if you like. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions provided above. To make the best lemon herb quinoa salad, rinse your quinoa well. This removes a bitter coating called saponin. Use vegetable broth for a richer flavor instead of plain water. Cooking the quinoa slowly lets it fluff up nicely. Once done, let it cool completely before mixing in your veggies. This keeps everything crisp and fresh. Serve your salad in a big, bright bowl. Sprinkle extra herbs on top for a pop of color. You can add lemon wedges on the side. This adds a fresh touch and lets people add more lemon if they like. Pair your salad with grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal or enjoy it on its own. One common mistake is overcooking the quinoa. Keep an eye on it while it simmers. Another mistake is not letting the salad chill. Chilling helps the flavors blend well. Avoid using too much lemon juice or salt at first. You can always add more later, but you can’t take it out. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can make this salad even better! Try adding sliced olives for a briny kick. Avocado gives a creamy touch. For some crunch, toss in roasted nuts. You can even add cooked chicken or chickpeas for more protein. These extras will boost the flavor and nutrition of your dish. This salad fits many diets. If you're vegan, skip the feta cheese. For gluten-free eaters, quinoa is a great choice. If you want low-carb, swap quinoa for cauliflower rice. This dish can adapt to fit your needs while still being tasty and fresh. You can change the salad with the seasons. In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus. Summer is perfect for sweet corn or diced mango. In fall, think about roasted butternut squash or apples. Winter brings cozy flavors like roasted beets or pomegranate seeds. These changes keep the salad exciting all year long. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To store leftover Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad, allow it to cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. If you plan to eat it later, leave out the feta cheese. It tastes best fresh, but you can add it just before serving. Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. These work best for keeping your salad fresh. Glass containers prevent odors and stains. Plastic containers are lightweight and easy to handle. Choose a container that fits your leftover portion size. You can eat this salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat it in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking the salad. Stir between intervals to warm it evenly. Enjoy your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad, full of flavor! For the full recipe, check out the complete details above. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I often prepare it a day in advance. This allows the flavors to blend well. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, give it a good stir. You can add a splash of lemon juice for freshness. If you need a substitute for quinoa, try using bulgur or couscous. Both have a nice texture and soak up flavors well. Brown rice is another good option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary for these grains. Adjust your cooking method accordingly for the best results. The salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container to keep it fresh. If you add feta cheese, use it within 3 days for the best taste. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy this delicious dish as a quick lunch or side. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad. We discussed crucial ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to get it just right. You learned about fun variations to keep things fresh and smart storage advice for leftovers. Using these tips, you’ll create a salad that is not only delicious but also easy to customize. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make it your own!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ef901aae-adea-4c32-b18f-9fd9f653fc1a-250x250.webp)
Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
Brighten your meal with a delicious Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad that's perfect for any occasion! This refreshing dish combines fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing for a taste explosion. It’s healthy, easy to make, and can be served as a main or side. Discover the full recipe and tips for presentation to impress your guests. Click through to explore this vibrant salad that celebrates fresh ingredients!