Go Back
To make a tasty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad, you'll need these key ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed under cold water - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 bell pepper (choose red or yellow for sweetness), diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 medium lemon - Salt and black pepper, to taste These ingredients bring bright flavors and colors to the dish. The quinoa serves as a great base, while the fresh herbs add a burst of taste. The lemon juice and zest give it a refreshing zing. Want to boost the flavor? Here are some fun add-ins to try: - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (for creaminess) - 1/4 cup olives, sliced (for a briny touch) - 1 avocado, diced (for creaminess and healthy fats) - 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (for added protein) Feel free to mix and match these extras. They can enhance the taste and texture, making the salad even better. Let’s look at the nutrition of some main ingredients: - Quinoa: Packed with protein and fiber. It's gluten-free and full of vitamins. - Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper add vitamins A and C. - Herbs: Parsley and mint give antioxidants and fresh flavor. - Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps absorb nutrients. This salad is not just tasty; it’s also good for your body. Each ingredient plays a role in your health, making this dish a smart choice for meals. To start, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This step helps remove 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 high heat. Once it boils, lower the heat and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa should become fluffy and absorb all the liquid. After that, remove it from heat and let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. While the quinoa cools, take a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 1 diced bell pepper. I suggest using red or yellow bell peppers for their sweetness. Next, toss in 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup of roughly chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup of roughly chopped fresh mint. These ingredients add color and flavor. Once the quinoa is cool, add it to this colorful mix. Gently fold everything together to combine the flavors. Now, let's make a zesty dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 1 medium lemon. Don't forget to add salt and black pepper to taste. This dressing brings everything together. Pour it over the quinoa salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. If you love cheese, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta on top. Give it another gentle toss to mix. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors! To cook quinoa perfectly, start with rinsing it well. Rinsing removes the bitter coating called saponin. Use two cups of vegetable broth or water for every cup of quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb all the liquid and become fluffy. Let it cool for a bit before mixing it with the other ingredients. Herbs add fresh flavor to your salad. For this dish, I suggest using parsley and mint. Chop them roughly and mix them in. Fresh herbs give a bright taste that pairs well with lemon. You can also try basil or cilantro for a different twist. Remember, add herbs at the end to keep their flavors strong. Serve your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad in a clear bowl. This way, the colorful ingredients shine. For a creamy touch, sprinkle feta cheese on top. You can also pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish. It makes a great side dish for a summer barbecue. Enjoy it on its own for a healthy lunch. {{image_4}} You can easily make this salad vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian option, simply add feta cheese. It gives a creamy touch that many love. If you want it vegan, just skip the cheese. The salad stays fresh and tasty without it. Use plant-based dressings if you want more flavor. This recipe is very flexible. You can swap in seasonal veggies. In summer, try adding fresh corn or zucchini. In the fall, diced butternut squash brings warmth. You can also use roasted vegetables for a richer flavor. Each swap gives the salad a new twist, keeping it exciting. To make this salad more filling, add protein. Chickpeas are a great choice. They add fiber and texture. You can also use black beans or lentils. For meat lovers, grilled chicken or shrimp works well too. These additions make the salad a complete meal. Enjoy mixing and matching for your perfect dish! To keep your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the salad is cool before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up, which can make it soggy. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay crisp and tasty for a few days. If you have leftovers, reheating is simple. Warm the salad in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir it halfway through to avoid hot spots. You can also enjoy it cold. The flavors blend well when served chilled. Just add a bit more dressing to freshen it up. Your salad will last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After that, it may lose its flavor and texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the quinoa base. Just make sure to leave out the fresh veggies and dressing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Add fresh ingredients and dressing before serving. It takes about 30 minutes to make this salad. You spend 15 minutes prepping the ingredients. The cooking takes another 15 minutes. This is a quick and easy dish to whip up. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting for a few hours. Just store it in the fridge. This lets the flavors blend nicely. If you add feta, do so just before serving. If you don’t have quinoa, you can use other grains. Brown rice or farro work well. Both add unique flavors and textures. You could also use couscous, which cooks faster. Choose a grain that you enjoy. Each option offers a tasty twist to your salad. In this post, we explored the key ingredients for a tasty lemon herb quinoa salad. You learned how to prepare the quinoa, mix the salad, and create a fresh dressing. I shared tips to cook quinoa perfectly and enhance flavors with herbs. You also discovered fun variations and storage tips to keep your salad fresh. Lemon herb quinoa salad is a healthy, delicious choice. It’s easy to make and great for meals. Enjoy mixing different ingredients to make it your own!

Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

Discover the refreshing flavors of Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad that will brighten up any meal! This easy recipe combines fluffy quinoa with vibrant veggies like cherry tomatoes and cucumber, all seasoned with a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or a side dish at dinner, it’s packed with nutrients and tastes amazing. Click through to explore this delicious salad that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed under cold water

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 bell pepper (choose red or yellow for sweetness), diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for a creamy touch)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 medium lemon

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

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

    Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and has fully absorbed the liquid.

      Remove the pan from the heat and let the quinoa cool slightly, approximately 5-10 minutes.

        In a large mixing bowl, mix together the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.

          Once the quinoa has cooled to room temperature, add it to the vegetable mixture in the bowl, folding gently to combine.

            In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful dressing. Pour this dressing over the quinoa salad, tossing gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

              If desired, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad, and give it another gentle toss to incorporate.

                Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, serve the salad in a large, clear glass bowl to highlight the vibrant colors of the ingredients. Garnish the top with extra lemon slices and a few whole mint leaves for an added refreshing touch. Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious salad!