![- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups water or vegetable broth - 1 large cucumber, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup tahini - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 clove garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste This salad starts with quinoa as the base. Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber. Rinsing the quinoa helps remove its bitter coating. Use fresh veggies for crunch and color. I love using cucumbers and bell peppers for a fresh bite. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and juicy flavor. The red onion adds a nice kick, while parsley gives a fresh touch. The tahini sauce is the star. It adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor. Mix tahini with lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic for a bright dressing. This makes the salad so tasty! - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for crunch For extra flavor and texture, you can add sunflower seeds or nuts. They give a nice crunch. Try almonds or walnuts for a rich taste. Fresh herbs like mint or cilantro can also brighten the dish. - Calories per serving: About 250 - Macronutrient breakdown: 10g protein, 12g fats, 30g carbs - Dietary considerations: Gluten-free, vegan, and packed with nutrients This salad is not just tasty; it's also healthy! Each serving has around 250 calories. You get protein from quinoa and tahini. The veggies add vitamins and minerals. Plus, it fits many diets, like vegan and gluten-free. Snack on this salad for a boost of energy! Check the Full Recipe for all the details. 1. Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitter taste. 2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. 3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. 4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes. 5. The quinoa is done when it is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. 1. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. 2. Add 1 clove of minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. 3. Whisk until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 finely chopped red onion, and 1 cup of chopped fresh parsley. 2. Add the cooled quinoa to the vegetable mix and gently toss everything together. 3. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the salad and stir well to coat all the ingredients. 4. For extra crunch, sprinkle 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds or chopped nuts on top before serving. For the full recipe, you can check the details provided above. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Lemon Tahini Quinoa Salad! To cook quinoa, use a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa. Rinse the quinoa first. This removes the bitter coating. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork after cooking. This keeps it light and airy, avoiding mushy quinoa. Herbs can change the taste of your salad. Fresh mint or dill works well. Try adding basil for a different twist. For spice, consider adding a pinch of cumin or paprika. These spices bring out the flavors of the vegetables and dressing. Presentation matters! Serve the salad in a large bowl. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley. This adds color and appeal. For a fun twist, use clear glasses. Layer the salad for a stunning visual. Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It’s also great beside roasted veggies. {{image_2}} You can easily add more protein to your Lemon Tahini Quinoa Salad. Chickpeas are a great choice. They add texture and a nutty flavor. Just rinse and drain a can of chickpeas. Then, fold them into the salad for extra protein. Grilled chicken or tofu also works well. Cook the chicken or tofu until it’s golden brown. Then, chop it into bite-sized pieces. Mix it in with the salad for a hearty meal. You can change this salad based on the season. In spring, add fresh peas, radishes, or asparagus. These veggies brighten up the dish and add crunch. In winter, you can use roasted root vegetables. Try carrots or sweet potatoes. They add warmth and depth to the salad while keeping it filling. If you want to switch up the flavor, try other dressings. A simple olive oil and vinegar mix gives a light taste. You can also use yogurt for a creamy twist. Adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Add more lemon juice for tanginess. Or, include herbs like dill or cilantro for freshness. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your Lemon Tahini Quinoa Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Before putting it away, let the salad cool. Hot food can raise the fridge temperature, which is not good. Your salad lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Check for any changes in color or smell. If it looks slimy or smells off, toss it out. To reheat, use the microwave. Heat it gently to avoid drying it out. Stir it halfway through to ensure even warming. If you want to serve leftovers, try adding fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice. This can brighten the flavors again. For the full recipe, refer back to the main section. To make this creamy dressing, mix the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Use a whisk for a smooth blend. Adjust the thickness by adding water if needed. This dressing adds a zesty flavor and a creamy texture to your salad. Yes, you can prepare this salad in advance. Store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge. This keeps the vegetables crisp. Combine them just before serving. It tastes even better after the flavors meld together. If you can't find tahini, you can use these alternatives: - Sunflower seed butter - Almond butter - Greek yogurt Each of these options has a unique flavor. Sunflower seed butter is nut-free and creamy. Almond butter adds a nutty taste. Greek yogurt gives a tangy kick. Keep in mind that substituting may change the salad's taste. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to balance flavors. Always taste as you go to find your perfect mix. Enjoy experimenting! This blog post covered how to make a delicious Lemon Tahini Quinoa Salad. You learned about essential and optional ingredients, like quinoa, vegetables, and tahini. I gave you step-by-step instructions, plus tips for cooking and flavoring. We explored salad variations and how to store it properly. This salad is versatile and easy to make. Try adding your favorite ingredients to make it unique. Enjoy a tasty and healthy dish that fits any season!](http://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/0131a3b2-a937-48f9-ad75-9f78e7be101a-300x300.webp)
Lemon Tahini Quinoa Salad
Looking for a fresh and nutritious meal? Try this delicious Lemon Tahini Quinoa Salad! Packed with vibrant veggies and a creamy tahini dressing, this salad is easy to make and perfect for meal prep. With just 30 minutes until you dig in, you'll enjoy a wholesome dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. Click through to uncover the full recipe and tips for presentation that will impress your guests!