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Fresh Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

fresh lemon herb quinoa salad - featured image
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A light, healthy, and refreshing quinoa salad with lemon, fresh herbs, cucumber, and tomatoes, perfect as a summer side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) dry quinoa, rinsed well
  • 2 cups (480ml) water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 medium English cucumber, diced
  • 1 ½ cups (about 250g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • Juice of 2 medium lemons (about 3 tablespoons or 45ml)
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese or ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30 seconds using a fine mesh sieve to remove the bitter coating.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and spread out on a large plate or baking sheet to cool faster and avoid clumping.
  4. While quinoa cooks, dice cucumber, halve tomatoes, chop parsley and mint, slice green onions, and mince garlic.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, toss cooled quinoa with vegetables, herbs, green onions, and garlic. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
  7. If desired, stir in crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Cooking quinoa with vegetable broth adds depth. Fluff quinoa and spread out to cool to prevent clumping. Scoop out cucumber seeds to avoid sogginess. Add delicate herbs or cheese just before serving for freshness. Adjust salt and lemon juice after chilling for best flavor. Leftovers keep up to 3 days refrigerated; stir in fresh lemon juice and olive oil before serving again.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa salad, lemon herb salad, healthy summer side dish, gluten-free salad, vegan salad option, easy quinoa recipe

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/fresh-lemon-herb-quinoa-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-summer-side-dish/