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Introduction
There’s something incredibly satisfying about enjoying a meal that feels light, fresh, and utterly spotless on your palate. This Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is just that — a clean, vibrant dish packed with nourishing ingredients that not only taste amazing but look pristine on your plate. Whether you’re after a quick lunch, a side dish, or a healthy meal prep option, this recipe hits the mark for freshness and simplicity.
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
Juice of 2 lemons
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds (optional)
Preparation:
Cook the Quinoa: Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove its natural bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water (or broth), bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Let it cool.
Prepare the Veggies: While the quinoa cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the herbs, and dice the onion if using.
Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine Salad: In a large bowl, mix cooled quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, herbs, and onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle crumbled feta and toasted nuts on top, if desired, for added flavor and texture.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may absorb dressing over time, so a quick toss before serving freshens it up.
For an even more vibrant dish, add diced avocado just before serving.
Variant:
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