Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

$For this vibrant salad, you will need: - 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 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped These ingredients create a fresh base. The quinoa gives a nutty flavor, while the veggies add crunch and color. You might want to add: - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - Avocado slices - Black olives, sliced - Chickpeas for extra protein These add-ins bring new tastes and textures. Feta adds creaminess, while chickpeas boost protein. For the dressing, gather: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste This dressing is simple yet bright. The lemon juice gives a tangy kick, and the zest enhances the lemon flavor. You will love how the dressing brings all the ingredients together! Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitter taste. Next, place the rinsed quinoa in a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You want the quinoa to be fluffy and absorb all the liquid. After 15 minutes, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. While the quinoa cools, chop your veggies. Take 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Dice 1 cucumber and 1 bell pepper. You can use red or yellow. Next, finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion. For fresh herbs, chop 1/4 cup of parsley and 1/4 cup of mint. Make sure to keep these ingredients ready in a large mixing bowl. Their fresh flavors will shine in the salad. Once the quinoa cools, add it to the bowl with the veggies. Mix well to combine. In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently. If you want to add a creamy touch, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. Give it one last gentle toss to mix everything together. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad! To fluff quinoa, I recommend rinsing it first. Rinsing removes the bitter taste. Add one cup of rinsed quinoa to two cups of vegetable broth or water in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, remove it from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, covered. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa gently. This method helps separate the grains, making it light and fluffy. I love serving this salad in a large clear glass bowl. It shows off the bright colors of the veggies. You can garnish with extra lemon slices and whole mint leaves for a fresh touch. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great side dish. For a picnic, pack the salad in jars for easy serving. It tastes great cold or at room temperature, so it is perfect for any meal. This quinoa salad fits many diets. It is naturally vegan and gluten-free. If you want to boost protein, add chickpeas or black beans. For a creamier texture, you can mix in avocado. If you need to lower sodium, use low-sodium vegetable broth. If you avoid dairy, simply skip the feta cheese or use a vegan alternative. This salad is flexible, so feel free to modify it to suit your needs. {{image_2}} You can easily give this salad a Mediterranean twist. Add olives, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for a salty kick. Try using fresh oregano or dill instead of parsley and mint. These herbs bring bright flavors that blend well with the lemon. For a richer taste, toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp. To turn this salad into a full meal, add protein. Chickpeas or black beans work great. They add fiber and make the dish more filling. You could also mix in cooked quinoa or brown rice. This change boosts the fiber and nutrient content. You can change the vegetables based on the season. In summer, add corn or zucchini for a fresh crunch. In fall, roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes give warmth and sweetness. Choose seasonal ingredients to keep the dish vibrant and tasty all year round. To keep your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps to keep the flavors bright and the veggies crunchy. Store it in the fridge for best results. You can enjoy this salad cold or warm. If you prefer it warm, put it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for about 30 seconds. Stir and heat again if needed. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can make the quinoa mushy. The salad can last in the fridge for up to three days. If you freeze it, the texture may change. I suggest you eat it fresh for the best taste. If you freeze it, use it within one month. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight. Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad offers many nutrients. One serving has about 200 calories. It has protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Quinoa is a great source of protein. The salad also includes vitamins from fresh veggies. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs add important minerals. This salad is both tasty and healthy. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes great when chilled. Prepare the salad and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Just remember to add the feta cheese right before serving. This keeps it from getting soggy. I love using parsley and mint in this salad. They add fresh flavor and color. You can also try basil or dill for a twist. Choose herbs based on your taste. Fresh herbs make this salad pop with flavor. Yes, quinoa is gluten-free. It is a great choice for those with gluten allergies. This makes it a safe option for many diets. Quinoa is a healthy grain that is easy to cook. Enjoy quinoa without worry. To adjust the flavor, add more lemon juice for zing. If you like it richer, add more olive oil. You can also mix in some honey for sweetness. Taste as you go, and find what you like best. Experimenting is part of the fun! If you want to skip feta, try goat cheese or avocado. Both add creaminess to the salad. You can also use olives for a salty kick. Choose what you love best. The salad will still be delicious without feta. This blog post covered the key steps to make Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad. We explored the main ingredients, optional add-ins, and the right dressing. You learned how to cook quinoa, prepare veggies, and assemble the salad. I shared tips for fluffing quinoa and serving it well. You also found variations to mix it up and ideas for storage. Enjoy making this tasty salad your own. It’s healthy, simple, and great for any meal!$

Brighten up your meal with this refreshing Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad! This vibrant dish combines fluffy quinoa with fresh veggies, herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing for a delicious and healthy option. Perfect for lunch or as a side dish, it's easy to make and packed with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is a winner for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

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 simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid.

Remove the quinoa from heat and let it cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.

Once the quinoa is cool, add it to the mixing bowl with the vegetables.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine.

If using, sprinkle the feta cheese over the top and give it one last gentle toss.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, and garnish with extra lemon slices and a few whole mint leaves for a refreshed look.