Description
The Best Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, nutritious, and delicious dish packed with protein-rich quinoa and fresh vegetables. Featuring bright herbs, zesty lemon dressing, and optional creamy feta cheese, this salad provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Simple to prepare and highly versatile, it’s perfect as a light lunch, colorful side, or a healthy meal prep option that can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or Dijon mustard
Optional Additions
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional but recommended)
- Nuts or seeds for crunch (e.g., almonds, pine nuts)
- Chickpeas for added protein
Instructions
- Rinse and Cook Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear to remove any bitterness. Cook quinoa in 2 cups of water by bringing it to a boil, then reducing heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until fluffy. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.
- Prep Fresh Vegetables: While the quinoa cools, chop the cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion. Ensure all vegetables are bite-sized for easy, fresh bursts of flavor in every forkful.
- Chop Fresh Herbs: Finely chop fresh herbs such as parsley and mint. Using fresh herbs adds vibrant aroma and flavor that elevate the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Optionally, add 1 teaspoon of honey or Dijon mustard to add a layer of subtle sweetness or tang. This dressing ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Combine and Toss: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped vegetables, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to mix everything evenly. Finally, crumble feta cheese on top and stir lightly or sprinkle it as a garnish.
Notes
- Let quinoa cool completely before mixing to keep the salad fresh and prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh herbs for unmatched brightness and flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice and salt to taste for perfect balance of tangy and savory.
- Add nuts, seeds, or crisp vegetables for extra texture and crunch.
- Make ahead and refrigerate; flavors improve after resting for a couple of hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: quinoa salad, healthy salad, gluten free salad, Mediterranean salad, vegetarian, protein rich, fresh herbs, easy salad recipe