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- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - ½ red onion, finely chopped - ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped - ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped The star of this dish is quinoa. It is packed with protein and fiber. Rinsing the quinoa helps remove any bitter taste. Next, we have fresh vegetables. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Cucumbers bring crunch. Bell peppers add color and flavor. Red onions give a nice bite. Fresh herbs are key to the salad. Parsley and mint brighten the dish, making it fresh and lively. - ¼ cup olive oil - Juice of 2 lemons - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (for a non-vegan option) Now, let’s talk about the dressing. Olive oil adds richness. Lemon juice gives a bright, tangy flavor. The zest of one lemon enhances the citrus taste. Salt and pepper balance everything. If you want, add feta cheese for creaminess. It brings a nice salty touch that pairs well with the fresh flavors in the salad. This combination of ingredients makes the Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad a fresh and flavorful delight. You can enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. First, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This step removes any bitter taste. Next, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb the broth and become fluffy. After cooking, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the fresh vegetables and herbs. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced bell pepper, and ½ finely chopped red onion. Then, fold in ½ cup of chopped fresh parsley and ¼ cup of chopped fresh mint. These herbs add freshness and a burst of flavor. Next, whisk together your dressing. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of olive oil, the juice of 2 lemons, and the zest of 1 lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well blended. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and veggies. Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly. This step ensures every bite is tasty. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want, gently fold in ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese for added creaminess. Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the flavors meld and enhances the taste. Serve your lemon herb quinoa salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors! To make fluffy quinoa, rinse it well before cooking. This removes the bitter coating. Use a 2:1 ratio of liquid to quinoa. For each cup of quinoa, use two cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. After cooking, let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This helps the grains puff up nicely. Altitude can change cooking times. If you are at a higher altitude, the water boils at a lower temperature. You may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Keep an eye on the quinoa, so it does not burn. You can add more herbs to boost the flavor. Consider adding cilantro, dill, or basil for a twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. Refrigerating the salad is key. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to blend well. It will taste even better the next day! {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad vegan. Just skip the feta cheese. The fresh veggies and herbs give it plenty of flavor. You won't miss the cheese at all. For gluten-free options, quinoa is a great choice. It is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your vegetable broth is gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad. Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables. Try adding diced zucchini or roasted corn. These veggies add color and taste to your salad. You can also play with dressings. Instead of the lemon dressing, use balsamic vinaigrette. A yogurt-based dressing also works well. Each choice gives the salad a unique twist. To keep your lemon herb quinoa salad fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work well, but plastic ones also do the job. Make sure to leave a little space in the container for air. This helps prevent sogginess. Store the salad in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the veggies may lose their crunch and flavor. Quinoa salad tastes best cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, use the microwave. Place your salad in a microwave-safe dish. Heat it in short bursts of 20 to 30 seconds. Stir in between to heat evenly. Alternatively, you can use a skillet. Heat on low and stir gently until warmed. Avoid cooking it too long, as this can change the texture. How long does quinoa salad last in the fridge? Lemon herb quinoa salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep it in a tight container to stay fresh. The flavors may improve as it sits. Can lemon herb quinoa salad be made in advance? Yes, you can make this salad a day in advance. The salad tastes better after chilling. Just cover it well and store it in the fridge. Caloric content and health benefits of ingredients One serving has about 200 calories. Quinoa is high in protein and fiber. Fresh vegetables add vitamins and minerals. Olive oil provides healthy fats. Lemon juice gives a boost of vitamin C. How to increase protein content in the salad To add more protein, mix in chickpeas or black beans. These beans are tasty and healthy. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. What to serve with lemon herb quinoa salad? This salad pairs well with grilled meats or fish. It also goes great with roasted veggies. Serve it as a side dish or a light main course. Best pairings for this dish Try serving it with a light vinaigrette or a yogurt sauce. A fresh fruit salad on the side adds a nice touch. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a full meal. This blog post covered making a delicious lemon herb quinoa salad. You learned about key ingredients like quinoa, fresh veggies, and herbs. We explored simple cooking steps and tips for perfect quinoa. You can customize this dish with various flavors and dietary options. Remember to store leftovers properly for freshness. Overall, this salad is tasty, healthy, and easy to make. Enjoy creating a dish that fits your taste and lifestyle!

Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

Brighten your meals with this refreshing Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad! It's packed with wholesome ingredients like quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and vibrant herbs. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this salad combines zesty lemon dressing with a colorful veggie mix for a deliciously healthy dish. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click to explore this delightful recipe and bring fresh flavors to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

½ red onion, finely chopped

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

¼ cup fresh mint, chopped

¼ cup olive oil

Juice of 2 lemons

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (for a non-vegan option)

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.

    In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.

      In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

        Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated evenly.

          Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If using, gently fold in feta cheese.

            Cover the salad and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

              Serve chilled or at room temperature.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4