Best Ever Favorite Quinoa Salad
Introduction
This vibrant Favorite Quinoa Salad bursts with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. It combines fluffy quinoa with crisp vegetables, zesty lemon dressing, and fresh herbs for a satisfying dish that comes together in minutes — perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 cup white quinoa, rinsed well
- 2 cups water
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 English cucumber, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine rinsed quinoa and water in a medium saucepan; bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until quinoa has absorbed the water. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the cooled quinoa, diced onion, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and mint to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss gently until everything is well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 1 hour for flavors to meld.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Make Ahead: Cook and cool the quinoa up to 24 hours in advance; store in an airtight container.
- Ingredient Swaps: Add chickpeas for extra protein, or substitute the mint with basil or cilantro for a fresh twist.
- Storage: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 5 g