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- 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 medium cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, coarsely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest To make my Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad, I start with the main ingredients. Quinoa is the star here. It is packed with protein and has a nice nutty flavor. I prefer to use vegetable broth when cooking quinoa. It adds depth to the taste. You can also use water if you like. Next, I chop up some fresh veggies. I love adding diced cucumber for crunch. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, and bell peppers add color. The red onion gives a nice bite, balancing the flavors. For herbs, I use parsley and mint. These herbs brighten the dish and add freshness. I like to chop them coarsely, so they stay vibrant in the salad. Now, let’s talk about the dressing. I whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. This dressing is zesty and brings all the flavors together. I also add salt and pepper to taste. You can find the full recipe in the details above. Enjoy crafting this colorful and healthy salad! To start, boil 2 cups of vegetable broth or water in a medium pot. Once it boils, add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa. Give it a quick stir. Lower the heat to simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender. After that, take it off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. This step makes your quinoa fluffy and ready to mix. While your quinoa cools, it’s time for the veggies. Dice 1 medium cucumber and 1 bell pepper into small pieces. Then, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Next, finely chop 1/4 of a red onion, along with 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of fresh mint. Mixing these fresh ingredients will give your salad a bright taste. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. This zesty dressing will tie all the flavors together. If you like, you can add other seasonings to make it your own. Once your quinoa has cooled a bit, fluff it with a fork. Add the fluffed quinoa to your bowl of chopped vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients mix well. If you want to add a creamy touch, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. This step is optional, but it adds a nice flavor. Now your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is ready to serve! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. To make great quinoa, rinse it first. This step removes any bitterness. After rinsing, cook it in vegetable broth. This adds a rich flavor that plain water cannot match. Add color to your salad by using different bell peppers. Red, yellow, and green peppers create a feast for the eyes. You can also try adding nuts or seeds for crunch. Almonds or sunflower seeds work well here. Presentation matters! Serve your salad in a bright bowl. Add fresh lemon wedges on the side for a pop of color. Finish with extra herbs on top. This makes your dish look fresh and inviting. {{image_4}} You can add a twist to your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad with simple changes. Here are some ideas to make this dish your own. - Incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp: Adding grilled chicken or shrimp boosts protein. It also makes the salad more filling. Simply slice the grilled meat and toss it in. - Substitute quinoa with other grains like farro or bulgur: You can swap quinoa for farro or bulgur. Both grains offer different flavors and textures. - Make it vegan by omitting feta cheese: If you want a vegan option, just leave out the feta cheese. This keeps the salad fresh and plant-based. - Use gluten-free grains if needed: For those avoiding gluten, use gluten-free grains. Quinoa is already gluten-free, but you can also try brown rice or millet. - Swap vegetables with seasonal produce: Use seasonal veggies for a fresh taste. Try zucchini in summer or roasted squash in fall. - Experiment with citrus variations like lime or orange: You can change the citrus flavor. Swap lemon juice for lime or orange juice for a unique twist. These variations make the Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad adaptable to your taste and dietary needs. You can find the full recipe above to get started! You should store your lemon herb quinoa salad in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and tasty. It’s best to enjoy it within 3-5 days. After that, the flavors may fade and the veggies can get soggy. This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead to enjoy quick lunches throughout the week. Just remember to store the dressing separately. This helps keep the salad fresh and crunchy until you are ready to eat. To cook quinoa, start by rinsing it under cold water. This removes a bitter coating called saponin. Next, bring two cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil in a medium pot. Once boiling, add one cup of rinsed quinoa. Stir it briefly, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa is done when it is fluffy, and all the liquid is absorbed. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time! If you store it in the fridge, the flavors will blend overnight. Just keep it in an airtight container. This makes it a great option for meal prep. However, add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp. If you need a substitute for quinoa, you have options. Couscous is a quick and easy choice. You can also use rice, bulgur wheat, or farro. Each alternative brings its own flavor and texture. Choose based on what you like or have on hand. Yes! This salad works great for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it even fresher, store the dressing separately. Just add it when you're ready to eat. This way, the salad stays crunchy and tasty. This blog post covered how to make a fresh quinoa salad. We discussed key ingredients, including vegetables, herbs, and a bright dressing. I shared a step-by-step guide for cooking quinoa and combining everything into a tasty dish. Remember, you can alter this salad for your needs, whether adding protein or using seasonal veggies. With proper storage, this dish stays fresh for days, perfect for meal prep. Experiment and enjoy your delicious salad!

Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

Discover the vibrant Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad that’s perfect for any meal! This refreshing dish combines nutty quinoa with crisp vegetables, bright lemon dressing, and optional feta for a delightful twist. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a healthy salad that’s loaded with flavor and color. Click through to explore the full recipe and learn how to create this delicious and nutritious gem that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 medium cucumber, diced into small cubes

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 bell pepper of your choice, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Quinoa: In a medium-sized pot, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa to the pot and give it a quick stir. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and allow the quinoa to cool for a few minutes.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooling, take a large mixing bowl and add the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. Gently stir to combine the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly mixed.

      Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a bright and zesty dressing.

        Combine Ingredients: Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, use a fork to fluff it up. Then, add the fluffed quinoa to the bowl containing the vegetables.

          Add the Dressing: Drizzle the lemon dressing over the quinoa and vegetables. With a gentle hand, mix everything together until all ingredients are well coated and evenly distributed.

            Incorporate Feta: If you are using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the salad and gently fold it in to maintain some of the crumbly texture.

              Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in a large, vibrant bowl. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of additional herbs on top to create an inviting and colorful display. Enjoy your refreshing quinoa delight!