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- 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) To make this Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad, start with quinoa. Quinoa brings a nutty taste and a nice texture. It cooks well in vegetable broth or water. This adds a layer of flavor to the dish. Next, pick fresh vegetables and herbs. I love using cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint. They add color and crunch. You can also add feta cheese for a creamy touch, but it's optional. - 1/4 cup olive oil - Juice of 2 lemons - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste For the dressing, use olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. This mix gives a fresh and zesty flavor. Adding salt and pepper will bring out all the flavors in the salad. - Protein content - Rich in vitamins and minerals - Dietary fiber Quinoa is not just tasty; it is good for you. It is packed with protein, which helps build muscles. Quinoa also contains many vitamins and minerals. These are important for health and wellness. Plus, quinoa has dietary fiber. This helps keep your stomach happy and full. Enjoying this salad gives you a healthy boost! First, rinse the quinoa under cold water. This step removes any bitterness and makes it taste better. Next, combine the rinsed quinoa with vegetable broth or water in a medium pot. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You want all the liquid to absorb. After that, take it off the heat and let it sit for five minutes, still covered. This helps the quinoa become light and fluffy. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool. While the quinoa cools, chop your fresh vegetables. Dice the cucumber and bell pepper. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the red onion, parsley, and mint. Once you have all your veggies ready, add them to the bowl with the cooled quinoa. Now, it’s time to make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This dressing brings all the flavors together. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently. Make sure everything is well combined. If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for added flavor. Give it one last gentle toss to mix it in. Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld together. Enjoy the fresh and healthy taste! When you pick quinoa, consider the three main types: white, red, and black. - White quinoa is mild and fluffy. - Red quinoa has a nuttier taste and a firmer texture. - Black quinoa adds a pop of color and a sweet flavor. Rinsing quinoa is key to removing its bitter coating called saponin. To rinse it properly: 1. Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. 2. Rinse under cold water for a few minutes. 3. Swirl it around to ensure all grains get washed. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain its crispness. - Best practices: Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. - How long it lasts: It stays good for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. You can boost the flavor of your salad with extra herbs or spices. Try: - Chopped basil or cilantro for a different taste. - A pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for warmth. Pair this salad with proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a full meal. It works well alongside fish too. {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese. The salad tastes great without it. For those who are gluten-free, quinoa is a perfect choice. It is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish without worry. Using fresh or roasted vegetables can change the taste. Try adding zucchini or asparagus in the spring. In the summer, use corn or bell peppers for sweetness. You can also add fruits for a twist. Sliced avocado adds creaminess, while mango gives a sweet touch. Both complement the lemon well. You can swap lemon juice for other citrus options. Lime juice adds a nice zing, while orange juice brings sweetness. If you want to try vinaigrette, mix balsamic vinegar with olive oil. This gives a different flavor profile but works well with the salad. To keep your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad fresh, use airtight containers. These containers prevent moisture and air from ruining your salad. Store it in the fridge right after serving. This way, it stays crisp and full of flavor. The salad will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep an eye on the veggies. If they start to look soggy, it is time to toss it. Can you freeze quinoa salad? Yes, you can! However, the texture may change once thawed. To freeze, first, let the salad cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. Leave some space at the top, as it may expand. For best results, eat the frozen salad within one month. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature. It tastes great straight from the fridge! If you prefer it warm, reheat it gently in a pan. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Heat it just enough, so it warms but does not cook the veggies. Enjoy every bite of this healthy delight! Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. The flavors get better as it sits. However, if you add feta, it might not last as long. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes great after chilling in the fridge for a few hours. This makes it perfect for meal prep or a party. Just wait to add the feta until you’re ready to serve. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or canola oil. Both options work well and taste good. - Other common substitutions: - Grapeseed oil is light and has a neutral taste. - Sunflower oil adds a mild flavor. - Flavor impact on the salad: Using different oils may change the taste slightly. Olive oil gives a fruity flavor that adds depth. Other oils are milder, but they still keep the salad fresh. Mix and match to find your favorite! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad. You learned about the main ingredients, from quinoa to fresh veggies and optional feta. We discussed the steps to cook the quinoa and mix everything together. Tips helped you choose the best quinoa and store your salad for later. You can even modify the recipe for different diets. In summary, this salad is healthy, easy, and can fit any meal. Enjoy the fresh flavors and benefits of quinoa!

Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

Refresh your meals with this vibrant Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad! Packed with wholesome ingredients like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this salad is not only delicious but also easy to make. Discover the step-by-step instructions to create this flavorful dish perfect for meal prep or a light lunch. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup olive oil

Juice of 2 lemons

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.

    In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil over medium heat.

      Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.

        Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool.

          Add the diced cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint to the bowl with the cooled quinoa.

            In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

              Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine.

                If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top and give it one last gentle toss.

                  Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6