![- Quinoa: 1 cup, thoroughly rinsed - Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cucumber, 1 bell pepper, 1/4 small red onion - Herbs and Extras: 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh mint, 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional) - Olive oil: 3 tablespoons - Lemon: Juice and zest of 1 large lemon - Seasoning: Salt and freshly cracked black pepper When I make this Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad, I love the bright flavors. The quinoa is the star here. It’s light, fluffy, and fills you up without feeling heavy. Rinsing the quinoa is key. It removes the bitter coating called saponin. This makes your salad taste better. Next, I chop the vegetables. I choose colorful cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet bell peppers. A little red onion adds a nice bite. These veggies give the salad a fresh crunch. You can mix and match based on what you have. Herbs are vital for flavor. I use parsley and mint for a burst of freshness. The feta cheese adds creaminess if you like. It’s optional, but I think it makes the salad even better. For the dressing, I combine olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. This adds a zesty kick. A pinch of salt and pepper ties everything together. It’s simple yet full of flavor. This combination of ingredients creates a tasty and nutritious dish. You can find the full recipe for the Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad to try it out yourself! First, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil. This will add flavor to the quinoa. Next, add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa to the boiling liquid. Cover the pot and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb all the liquid and become fluffy. While the quinoa cooks, wash and chop all your vegetables. You need cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Once chopped, transfer them into a large mixing bowl. This bowl will hold all the tasty ingredients. Now it’s time to add flavor. Toss in 1/4 cup of chopped parsley and 1/4 cup of chopped mint. If you like cheese, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of crumbled feta. This adds a creamy touch. In a separate small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, juice, and zest of one lemon along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk them together until mixed well. Once the quinoa has cooled, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Add the quinoa to your bowl of veggies and herbs. Drizzle the dressing over everything. Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly. Taste your salad. If it needs more flavor, add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. You can adjust it to suit your taste. If you want to enhance the flavors, cover the salad and chill it for about 30 minutes in the fridge before serving. This step-by-step guide will lead you to a fresh and vibrant Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad. For the complete list of ingredients, check out the Full Recipe. To make the best quinoa, rinse it thoroughly before cooking. This step removes the bitter coating called saponin. Use cold water and a fine mesh strainer. After cooking, allow the quinoa to cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients. This keeps the grains light and fluffy. When serving your Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad, present it in a decorative bowl or serve it in individual portions. This adds a nice touch to your meal. Garnish with extra herbs or lemon wedges for a pop of color and flavor. These small details make your dish more inviting. You can enhance the nutrition of your salad by making a few simple swaps. Substitute quinoa with farro or barley for a different texture. These grains offer unique flavors and more fiber. You might also add protein like chickpeas or grilled chicken. This will make your salad a complete meal and keep you satisfied longer. For a full recipe of this vibrant dish, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can change this salad based on the season. In summer, add fresh bell peppers. In fall, try roasted squash for a warm touch. Seasonal herbs like basil or cilantro can boost the flavor too. These swaps keep your salad fresh and exciting. Spices can take your salad to the next level. Try cumin for warmth or smoked paprika for a smoky kick. You can also use different dressings. A tahini dressing adds creaminess, while a yogurt-based dressing gives a tangy twist. Experiment with flavors to find what you love. If you want a vegan salad, simply skip the feta cheese. This keeps it light and plant-based. To make it gluten-free, ensure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad without worry. For the full recipe, check out the details on how to prepare this flavorful dish. Store any leftover Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to close the container tightly to keep the flavors intact. Freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture of the quinoa and vegetables changes when frozen. You will lose the fresh crunch and bright flavors. Enjoy your salad fresh or chilled for the best taste. If you want to reheat the salad, use a microwave. Add a splash of water to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. Heat in short bursts, checking often until it's warm. To cook quinoa properly, rinse it well first. This removes any bitterness. Use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio. For every cup of quinoa, use two cups of water or broth. This method yields fluffy grains. Bring the water to a boil, add the quinoa, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Once done, let it cool a bit before using it in your salad. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better when you let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight. The flavors blend nicely, giving you a more delicious dish. Just cover it well in the fridge to keep it fresh. Absolutely! Adding protein makes this salad a complete meal. You can use grilled chicken, chickpeas, or beans. These options boost the taste and nutrition. Mix them into the salad before serving or on the side. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. You can enjoy this dish without worry. Just make sure any broth you use is also gluten-free. For the full recipe, check the details above! Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. You learned about its main ingredients, dressing, and how to combine them. I shared tips for perfect quinoa and offered tasty variations. This salad is not just great for a meal, but also adaptable for every season. Remember, enjoy your quinoa salad fresh and experiment with flavors. It’s a healthy choice that satisfies.](https://blissfulmeal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/898821f7-31ba-491c-a008-039d38dec293-300x300.webp)
Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
Discover the perfect blend of flavors with this Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad! Packed with fresh vegetables, vibrant herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing, this healthy salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for meal prep or as a light side dish, learn how to whip up this refreshing salad in just 45 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a taste of summer in every bite!