Go Back
- 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups water or vegetable broth - 1 medium cucumber - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1/2 red bell pepper - 1/4 red onion - Fresh parsley and mint - Juicy lemon zest and juice - Extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper - Medium-sized saucepan - Mixing bowl - Fork for fluffing quinoa - Small bowl for dressing I love using fresh ingredients in this Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad. Quinoa is my base. It’s high in protein and gluten-free. I rinse it well before cooking to remove any bitter taste. For the veggies, I use a medium cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion. They add color and crunch. Fresh parsley and mint make the salad bright and fragrant. The lemon zest and juice bring a lovely zing. I recommend using vegetable broth for cooking quinoa. It adds flavor, but water works fine too. The salad is light and healthy, perfect for any meal. For tools, a medium-sized saucepan is a must for cooking quinoa. You need a mixing bowl to combine everything. A fork helps fluff the quinoa for lightness. A small bowl is handy for mixing the dressing. These ingredients and tools come together to create a fresh and vibrant dish that you’ll love. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by bringing 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. 2. Once the liquid is boiling, stir in 1 cup of rinsed quinoa. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is soft. 3. After cooking, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains. Allow it to cool slightly. 1. While the quinoa cools, dice 1 medium cucumber into bite-sized pieces. 2. Cut 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half. 3. Dice 1/2 of a red bell pepper. 4. Finely chop 1/4 of a red onion. 5. Chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of fresh mint. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the zest and juice of 1 juicy lemon. 2. Add 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa and the prepared vegetables. 2. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. 3. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. - Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking. This removes bitter saponins. - Allow quinoa to rest after cooking for a fluffy texture. Cover it for a few minutes. - Add feta cheese or avocado for creaminess. These ingredients make the salad richer. - Try different herbs like dill or basil. Experimenting adds fun and new tastes. - Serve in attractive bowls or plates. Colorful dishes make the salad pop. - Garnish with lemon slices and herb sprigs. This adds a fresh, inviting look. Pro Tips Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. Use Broth for Flavor: Cooking quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water enhances its flavor, making the salad even more delicious. Cool Quinoa Properly: After cooking, let the quinoa cool completely before mixing it with the vegetables to maintain their crispness. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add ingredients like avocado or feta cheese for added texture and flavor. {{image_4}} You can boost the protein in your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. Both add a tasty twist and keep the salad filling. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas or black beans. These ingredients add protein and fiber. They make the salad hearty and satisfying. Seasonal ingredients can keep the salad fresh and exciting. You can substitute vegetables based on what’s in season. Use zucchini in summer or roasted butternut squash in fall. Roasting veggies adds a rich flavor that enhances the dish. Try different combinations to find your favorite mix! The dressing can change the whole taste of the salad. You can experiment with balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy kick. It pairs well with the lemon and herbs. If you want something creamier, use a yogurt-based dressing. This adds a nice texture and flavor. Mixing and matching dressings can keep every meal interesting! Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. I recommend eating it within 3-5 days for the best flavor. After that, the veggies may lose their crunch. Can quinoa salad be frozen? Yes, you can freeze it! However, the texture may change. When you want to enjoy it, place the salad in the fridge overnight to thaw. Once it's soft, give it a good stir. You might want to add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to freshen it up. This method helps keep the taste bright and zesty. To prepare quinoa, start by rinsing it well under cold water. This removes the bitter coating called saponin. Next, in a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. When done, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for a few more minutes. Finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool. Yes, Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is gluten-free. Quinoa is a seed, not a grain, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. This salad is a great option for anyone avoiding gluten. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare the quinoa and veggies, then store them separately in the fridge. This way, they will stay fresh. Mix them together with the dressing just before serving. The salad tastes even better after some time in the fridge, as flavors blend. You can serve Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad with various dishes. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for protein. You can also enjoy it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup. For a complete meal, consider serving it with crusty bread or a fresh yogurt dip. Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is easy and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients, tools, and steps to cook the quinoa and prepare the veggies. I shared tips to enhance flavor and how to store any leftovers properly. You can also personalize your salad with proteins and seasonal veggies. This dish is healthy, tasty, and versatile, making it perfect for any meal. Enjoy creating your own version and share it with friends and family!

Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

A refreshing salad made with quinoa, fresh 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, thoroughly rinsed
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 red onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 juicy lemon zest and juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a vigorous boil.
  • Once boiling, carefully stir in the rinsed quinoa. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and allow it to cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and all liquid has been absorbed.
  • After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa using a fork to separate the grains and allow it to cool slightly.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, fresh parsley, and mint. Mix gently to distribute the vegetables evenly.
  • Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl with the vibrant vegetable medley.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a zesty dressing.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture, then gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
  • Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with lemon slices and mint or parsley.
Keyword healthy, lemon, quinoa, salad, vegetarian