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To make this tasty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 large cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional) You can customize your salad with these options: - Chickpeas for more protein - Avocado for creaminess - Spinach or arugula for extra greens - Toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch Each serving of this salad provides: - Approx. 200 calories - 8g protein - 10g fat - 24g carbohydrates - 5g fiber - Rich in vitamins A and C This salad is not just fresh and tasty; it also gives you good nutrition. You can feel great about serving it! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing the quinoa. Use cold water to wash away any bitter taste. Drain it well. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and two cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer. In about 15 minutes, the quinoa will be fluffy and the liquid will be gone. Remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. While the quinoa cools, prepare the vegetables. In a large bowl, add the diced cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Then, toss in the chopped parsley and mint. These fresh veggies add bright colors and great flavors. Make sure everything is evenly mixed. This step is key for a tasty salad. Next, it's time to make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the zest and juice of one large lemon. Add three tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until it’s well blended. This dressing brings all the flavors together and adds a zesty kick. Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top. Toss everything gently to combine. If you like, crumble some feta cheese on top. Finally, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad! To make the Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad burst with flavor, you can adjust the seasoning. Start with salt and pepper. Taste the salad after you mix in the dressing. If it needs more zing, add more lemon juice. You can also try a pinch of garlic powder for a savory touch. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint add bright notes. Play with the amounts until it tastes just right. Getting the quinoa just right is key. Rinse it well before cooking to remove bitterness. Use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor. When cooking, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Cover it tightly. After 15 minutes, check if all the liquid is gone. Fluff the quinoa with a fork. This helps keep it light and airy, which makes the salad better. Serving the salad nicely can make it more appealing. Use a large bowl or individual plates. For a pop of color, garnish with extra herbs or a lemon wedge. You can also sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top before serving. This gives a nice contrast to the fresh veggies. A well-presented salad makes every bite more enjoyable! Pro Tips Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. Let It Cool: Allow the quinoa to cool slightly after cooking before mixing it with the vegetables to maintain their texture and prevent wilting. Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; if you can, add them just before serving to keep their vibrant taste and color. Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning; taste the salad before serving and add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed. {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad vegetarian or vegan. Just skip the feta cheese. You can still enjoy all the fresh flavors. Adding more veggies can also boost taste. Try adding avocado for creaminess or roasted squash for a sweet touch. For extra protein, add chickpeas or black beans. You can also mix in chopped grilled chicken or shrimp if you prefer meat. Other veggies like corn or carrots add crunch and color. Use what you have on hand. This makes the salad more filling and fun. Mixing herbs can change the flavor. You can use basil or cilantro instead of parsley. If you want a more Mediterranean taste, try adding dill. Each herb brings its own special flavor. Experiment with your favorites to find the best combo! To keep your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after serving. This dish lasts about three days. If you notice any excess water, drain it before serving again. This helps maintain the salad's texture. Meal prep makes this salad easy to enjoy all week. Cook the quinoa ahead of time and let it cool. Chop your veggies and herbs in advance. Store each item separately in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, mix them together. This keeps everything crisp and fresh. Add the dressing just before serving to avoid soggy quinoa. If you want to reheat your quinoa salad, do it gently. Place the salad in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for about 30 seconds at a time. Stir between each session. You may prefer to serve this salad cold, but if you enjoy it warm, this works well. For best taste, avoid reheating more than once. You can make this salad a day ahead. Just prepare the quinoa and let it cool. Mix the veggies and dressing separately. Combine them right before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. Yes, you can use other grains. Try brown rice, farro, or even barley. Each grain adds a unique flavor and texture. Make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the grain you choose. Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish or a light meal. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced plate. You can also add it to a wrap for a tasty lunch. Yes, this salad is gluten-free. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. This makes it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Always check any added ingredients, like feta, to ensure they are also gluten-free. Absolutely! Nuts and seeds add great texture. Try adding walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds. Just toast them lightly for more flavor. This will enhance the overall taste of your salad. In this post, I shared how to make a tasty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about variations for personal taste and how to store leftovers well. This salad is easy to customize and perfect for any meal. Remember, it’s packed with nutrients and flavor. Enjoy making your salad unique! I hope you find joy in creating and sharing this healthy dish.

Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

A refreshing and nutritious quinoa salad with vibrant vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Drain well.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the 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 slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint.
  • Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the vegetable mixture.
  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  • Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine.
  • If desired, crumble feta cheese on top before serving.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as preferred.

Notes

Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual servings. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a lemon wedge for an attractive finish.
Keyword healthy, lemon, quinoa, salad, vegetarian