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This Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is fresh and easy to make. You only need a few simple ingredients to create a dish full of flavor. Here are the main ingredients you'll need: - 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water for a lighter flavor) - 1 large cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for added sweetness - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped for a mild kick - 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped for bright flavor - 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped for a refreshing touch - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for richness - Juice of 2 lemons for a zesty tang - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for creaminess) Fresh herbs and vegetables give this salad its vibrant taste. The parsley adds a bright flavor, while mint offers a cool note. These herbs make the dish feel light and refreshing. The diced cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes add crunch and sweetness. Together, they create a colorful base that is both pleasing to the eye and palate. If you want to enhance the taste even more, consider adding feta cheese for a creamy texture. You can also swap in other ingredients like avocado or bell peppers for a twist. These options allow you to customize the salad to your liking. To start, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. Use a fine-mesh sieve. This step removes bitterness. Next, put the quinoa in a medium saucepan with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mix to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. All the liquid should absorb. After that, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork. Let it cool to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1 large cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped This colorful mix makes a great base for the salad. Once mixed, set it aside while you prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Juice of 2 lemons - Salt and pepper to taste Blend until well combined. Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl with the veggies. Drizzle the dressing over everything. Toss gently until all ingredients are coated. If you like, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top before serving. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. To achieve fluffy quinoa, rinse it well. This removes the bitter outer layer. Use two cups of broth for each cup of quinoa. Cooking it on low heat ensures the grains absorb all the liquid. When done, let it sit covered for five minutes. Fluff it gently with a fork. This lightens the texture and makes it perfect for your salad. The dressing ties everything together. To add a twist, try using lime juice instead of lemon. You can also mix in a teaspoon of honey for sweetness. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or basil. They can bring a new layer of flavor to the dish. Presentation matters! Serve your salad in a big bowl to show off the colors. For individual servings, use clear glass jars. They make a fun, portable lunch. Garnish each plate with lemon slices and mint sprigs. This adds visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor. You can find the Full Recipe above to impress your friends at your next gathering. {{image_4}} You can add protein to your lemon herb quinoa salad. Grilled chicken is a great choice. It adds a nice flavor and makes the salad more filling. Simply grill the chicken, slice it, and mix it in. If you want a plant-based option, add chickpeas. They provide protein and a lovely texture. Rinse and drain a can of chickpeas, then fold them into the salad. This makes it a hearty meal. Switch up the veggies based on what is fresh. In spring, add asparagus or peas for a sweet crunch. In fall, consider roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash for warmth. You can also use bell peppers for a pop of color. Mixing seasonal vegetables keeps your salad exciting and supports local farmers. It’s a tasty way to enjoy the harvest. Cheese can change the flavor of your salad. Feta cheese adds creaminess and tang. However, you might prefer goat cheese for a richer taste. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese. It melts well and can add a nice texture. Crumbled cheese or shredded cheese can be sprinkled on top. Choose what fits your taste and dietary needs. Feel free to explore these variations. They can help you make the lemon herb quinoa salad your own. For more ideas, check the full recipe. To keep your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from making it soggy. Always let the salad cool to room temperature before sealing it. I recommend adding the dressing just before serving. This keeps the salad crisp and bright. In the fridge, your salad stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you notice any change in smell or texture, it's best to toss it out. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. For the best taste, enjoy it within the first few days. You can freeze Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad, but it changes the texture. If you want to freeze it, leave out the fresh veggies and herbs. Cooked quinoa freezes well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Add fresh veggies and herbs after thawing to bring back the salad's bright flavors. Enjoy the full recipe and discover the joy of this dish! Yes, you can use water instead of broth. Water will make the dish lighter. However, broth adds more flavor. If you want a richer taste, broth is the way to go. It’s a simple switch that can change the taste a lot. Yes, this salad is gluten-free. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain. It’s a great option for those who avoid gluten. You can enjoy this dish without any worries. Just make sure all the other ingredients you use are also gluten-free. You can easily make this salad vegan. Simply leave out the feta cheese. It still tastes great without it. You can also add in some avocado for creaminess. This salad is already full of fresh veggies, making it a healthy choice. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad 🥗. This blog post covered how to make a delicious quinoa salad. We looked at the key ingredients, such as fresh herbs and vegetables, and how to mix them well. The step-by-step guide showed how to prepare the quinoa and whip up the dressing. We shared tips to perfect the texture and offered variations for added protein and seasonal swaps. Finally, storage tips help keep your salad fresh. Enjoy making this easy and tasty dish!

Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

Discover a refreshing Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad that bursts with vibrant flavors! This easy recipe combines fluffy quinoa, crunchy cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, all enhanced by a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for meal prep or a light lunch, this salad is not only nutritious but also visually stunning. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a delicious, healthy dish that will impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa

2 cups vegetable broth (or water for a lighter flavor)

1 large cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for added sweetness

1/2 red onion, finely chopped for a mild kick

1 cup fresh parsley, chopped for bright flavor

1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped for a refreshing touch

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for richness

Juice of 2 lemons for a zesty tang

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for creaminess)

Instructions
 

Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. This step is crucial to remove any unwanted bitterness from the quinoa.

    In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and keep it covered for another 5 minutes. Afterward, fluff the quinoa gently with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.

      Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and the fresh herbs – parsley and mint. This blend will create a colorful and aromatic base for the salad.

        In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.

          After the quinoa has cooled completely, add it to the bowl with the vegetable mixture. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.

            If you choose to include feta cheese, sprinkle it over the salad just before serving for a delightful creamy texture and additional flavor.

              Finally, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning according to your liking. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve your desired flavor profile.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: For an appealing display, serve the salad in a large bowl or portion it into individual plates, garnishing each serving with additional lemon slices and a sprig of mint for a vibrant finish. Alternatively, consider placing the salad in mason jars to create an eye-catching, portable lunch option for on-the-go enjoyment.