Description
A refreshing and nutritious quinoa salad packed with vegetables, herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing—perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil.
- Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the quinoa sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute parsley or mint with cilantro or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Add chickpeas or feta cheese for extra protein.
- Best served chilled but can be eaten immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg