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To make a tasty herbed quinoa salad, gather these fresh ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed and drained - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water if preferred) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half - 1 cucumber, diced into small pieces - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (your choice of color), diced - 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped - Juice of 1 lemon - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - Crumbled feta cheese for garnishing (optional) These ingredients create a vibrant and refreshing dish that is both filling and healthy. You can customize your herbed quinoa salad by adding some optional ingredients: - Avocado, diced for creaminess - Black beans or chickpeas for protein - Corn, for a sweet crunch - Radishes, for a peppery bite - Nuts or seeds, for added texture These options can help you tailor the salad to your taste or dietary needs. Fresh herbs make this salad pop with flavor. Here are some great choices: - Basil, for a sweet and aromatic touch - Cilantro, for a zesty kick - Chives, for a mild onion flavor - Dill, for a fresh, grassy note For veggies, you can try adding: - Carrots, grated for sweetness - Spinach or kale, for extra greens - Zucchini, for a mild, tender bite By mixing and matching these ingredients, you can create a unique herbed quinoa salad every time. To access the full recipe, check out the details in the article. To make a great herbed quinoa salad, start by rinsing your quinoa. Rinse it well under cold water. This removes the bitter coating called saponin. After rinsing, place the quinoa in a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring this mix to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, lower the heat to simmer. Cover the saucepan and let it cook for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb all the liquid and look fluffy. After cooking, take it off the heat but keep the lid on for another 5 minutes. This helps it steam and become even fluffier. Finally, use a fork to fluff the quinoa and let it cool to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, add your cooled quinoa. Next, toss in halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and diced bell pepper. These veggies add color and crunch to your salad. Then, stir in the freshly chopped parsley and mint. These herbs bring freshness to the dish. Mix all the ingredients gently to combine them well. This step is crucial for a balanced taste. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Combine the juice of one lemon and three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Then, add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Whisk all these together until they blend smoothly. This dressing adds brightness and flavor to your salad. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and veggies. Toss everything together gently, ensuring all the ingredients get coated. If you like, finish with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy touch. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. To cook quinoa perfectly, start with rinsing one cup of quinoa. Rinsing removes the bitter coating called saponin. Use two cups of vegetable broth or water for cooking. This adds more flavor. Bring the liquid to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover it. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa should absorb all the liquid. After that, take it off the heat but keep it covered for five more minutes. Fluff it with a fork. This step gives it a light and airy texture. For a tasty salad, balance is key. The fresh herbs, like parsley and mint, brighten the dish. Use lemon juice and olive oil for a zesty dressing. Start with the juice of one lemon and three tablespoons of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. This combination enhances all the flavors. You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference. Taste as you go. If you like it tangy, add a bit more lemon juice. If you prefer richness, increase the olive oil. Make your herbed quinoa salad visually appealing. Serve it in a large bowl to showcase its colorful ingredients. For individual servings, use small plates. Garnish each plate with fresh herbs. You can also add a lemon wedge on the side. This adds a pop of color and a fresh touch. Consider sprinkling crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy texture. The presentation should invite everyone to dig in. Enjoy the beauty of your dish as much as the flavors! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. {{image_4}} This Herbed Quinoa Salad is naturally gluten-free. Quinoa is a great grain choice. You do not need to change any ingredients to keep it gluten-free. Just make sure your vegetable broth is also gluten-free. To make this recipe vegan, skip the feta cheese topping. You can also add avocado for a creamy texture. Another option is to use nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy. If you want to cut carbs, swap quinoa with cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice is low in carbs and very filling. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. This will keep it fresh and tasty while lowering carbs. For the full recipe, check back for detailed steps. After enjoying your herbed quinoa salad, you may have some leftovers. To store them, place the salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and prevents it from drying out. Make sure to cool the salad to room temperature before sealing the container. If you add feta cheese, keep it separate until you are ready to eat. This keeps the cheese from getting soggy. When stored correctly, herbed quinoa salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you notice any changes in smell or color, it’s best to throw it away. Always check for freshness before enjoying leftovers. The taste is best within the first few days after making it. You can enjoy herbed quinoa salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat it in a pan over low heat. Stir it often to avoid cooking it too much. You may want to add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to freshen the flavor. If you serve it cold, consider adding extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon for a fresh boost. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for serving suggestions. The best way to cook quinoa is by rinsing it first. This step helps remove any bitterness. Use a ratio of 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of liquid, like vegetable broth or water. Bring the liquid to a boil, then lower the heat and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes until the quinoa absorbs the liquid. Fluff it with a fork afterward. This method yields fluffy, perfect quinoa for your salad. Yes, you can make Herbed Quinoa Salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after some time in the fridge. Make the salad and store it in an airtight container. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving to mix the flavors again. If you add feta cheese, do so just before serving to keep it fresh. You can serve Herbed Quinoa Salad in many ways. Try it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also works well as a light lunch on its own. For extra flavor, top it with avocado slices or nuts. Pair it with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade. This salad is versatile and can shine at any meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Herbed Quinoa Salad is a simple, tasty dish. We explored all the key ingredients, customization options, and fresh herb suggestions. I walked you through preparing quinoa, mixing veggies, and making the perfect dressing. We covered cooking tips, flavor balance, and how to present your dish well. I shared variations for gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb diets, plus storage info for leftovers. In short, this salad is easy to make and enjoy. It’s healthy and versatile. You can adapt it to fit your needs. Enjoy creating delicious meals!

Herbed Quinoa Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of Herbed Quinoa Salad Delight! This refreshing dish combines fluffy quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs, topped with a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or as a side dish for any meal. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can enjoy a colorful, nutritious salad that’s sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dining experience!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed and drained

2 cups vegetable broth (or water if preferred)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1 cucumber, diced into small pieces

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper (your choice of color), diced

1 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Crumbled feta cheese for garnishing (optional)

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring it to a vigorous boil.

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and allow it to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid and appears fluffy.

      After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat yet keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes. Then, use a fork to gently fluff the quinoa and allow it to cool to room temperature.

        In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa along with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and diced bell pepper.

          Incorporate the freshly chopped parsley and mint into the mixture, stirring gently to combine.

            In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.

              Pour the prepared dressing over the quinoa salad and gently toss all the ingredients together until thoroughly mixed and coated with the dressing.

                If you wish, garnish the top of the salad with crumbled feta cheese before serving to add a creamy texture.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Create an appealing display by serving the salad in a large, beautiful bowl or divide it among individual plates. For extra visual flair, garnish with additional fresh herbs and place a lemon wedge on the side for a vibrant touch.