Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad – A Refreshing Delight

There’s something magical about a Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad that can brighten even the dreariest of days. The crispness of fresh vegetables, the zesty burst of lemon, and the aromatic herbs come together to create a dish that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze. Every bite feels like a celebration—like your taste buds threw a party and everyone showed up!

I remember the first time I made this quinoa salad for a potluck. Friends were skeptical at first but quickly changed their minds after just one bite. It was love at first forkful! Now, it’s my go-to dish for gatherings, picnics, or when I want to impress my taste buds without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.

I once brought this salad to our family reunion, and let me tell you, my Aunt Judy was convinced I had hired a personal chef. Spoiler alert: I hadn’t.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Quinoa: Use high-quality quinoa for the best texture; rinse thoroughly to remove its natural coating before cooking.

• Fresh Parsley: Choose vibrant green leaves, as they add freshness and color; chopped finely for optimal flavor.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Look for bright red tomatoes that are juicy; they provide sweetness that complements the lemon.

• Cucumber: Select firm cucumbers with smooth skin; they add crunch and hydration to your salad.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice elevates the salad’s flavor profile; avoid bottled versions if possible.

• Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin olive oil for depth and richness; it enhances all other flavors beautifully.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy creaminess; feel free to adjust amount based on your preference.

• Salt and Pepper: Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper; these simple seasonings highlight all ingredients.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Cooking can be an adventure, so let’s dive into creating this delightful salad!

Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water until it runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Cook Until Fluffy: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa appears fluffy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Chop Your Veggies: While quinoa cools, chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and 1 cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley for that herby goodness.

Create Your Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 1 large lemon and 3 tablespoons of olive oil until emulsified. Add salt and pepper to taste for an extra zing!

Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa with chopped vegetables. Drizzle dressing over everything and gently toss until well combined. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.

Serve with Style: Transfer your vibrant Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad to a beautiful serving bowl or plate it individually for guests. Enjoy immediately or chill in the fridge for an hour—both options are fantastic!

And there you have it! A bright Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad that’s not only delicious but also sure to become your new favorite dish! Enjoy every colorful bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by rinsing the quinoa to remove bitterness, then cook it in vegetable broth for added flavor. While that simmers, chop your veggies and whisk the dressing to save time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap vegetables based on what’s in season or your preferences. Adding feta cheese or nuts can elevate the texture and flavor, making this salad truly your own.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To refresh, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice before serving again.

I remember the first time my friends tried this Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad at a summer picnic. Their delighted faces made all the chopping worthwhile!

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; just add dressing just before serving.

What are good protein options for this salad?

Chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp work wonderfully to add protein.

How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored for up to three days without losing freshness.

Print

Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines fluffy quinoa with crisp vegetables, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners, this salad bursts with flavor and color, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether served as a light main course or a complementary side, every bite is a celebration of freshness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cucumber (diced)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. 1. Rinse quinoa under cold water until clear. In a saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
2. 2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Let it cool slightly.
3. 3. While the quinoa cools, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley.
4. 4. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice and olive oil together; season with salt and pepper.
5. 5. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa with chopped vegetables. Drizzle dressing over the top and mix gently. Sprinkle feta cheese before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute seasonal vegetables or add protein such as chickpeas or grilled chicken for variation. This salad can be made ahead; just add dressing right before serving to keep it fresh.