Get ready to experience the ultimate flavor explosion with this Zesty Garlic Herb Quinoa Salad! As the bold culinary rebel behind Maxivore.com, I’m on a mission to transform ordinary meals into extraordinary food adventures. This salad is about to take your taste buds on a wild ride, so let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Zesty Garlic Herb Quinoa Salad
Prepare to be utterly captivated by the sensational flavors in this epic quinoa salad! Packed with a powerful punch of garlic, fresh herbs, and a zesty citrus kick, this dish is a true flavor symphony that will leave you craving more. It’s the ultimate side that’s guaranteed to make your main course look like an absolute amateur. Get ready to smash this salad and become the talk of any potluck or backyard BBQ!
Ingredients
This insanely delicious quinoa salad comes together with a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that are about to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise. You’ll need quinoa, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, and a few seasonings to really make those flavors explode.
- 2 cups – Cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup – Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons – Fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves – Minced garlic
- 1 cup – Chopped fresh parsley and cilantro
Ingredient Substitutions
- Herbs: Feel free to swap out the parsley and cilantro for your favorite fresh herbs, like basil or mint.
- Citrus: You can also play with the citrus, using lime or orange juice instead of lemon.
How to Make Zesty Garlic Herb Quinoa Salad
Alright, let’s get this flavor fiesta started! This salad comes together in just a few simple steps, so let’s get cooking.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the quinoa according to package instructions until fluffy and tender. While that’s happening, mince the garlic and chop the fresh herbs. Get ready to create an absolute flavor explosion!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you desire. Toss everything together until the flavors are beautifully combined.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
The final step is to let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. This will make the taste truly insane – trust me, your taste buds are about to be blown away!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add Some Crunch: Try adding in some diced cucumber or cherry tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
- Go for the Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese would be a delicious addition to this salad.
- Protein Power: For a heartier meal, top this quinoa salad with grilled chicken, roasted shrimp, or even some crispy chickpeas.
- Dried Fruit Delight: Toss in some dried cranberries or apricots for a sweet and tangy twist.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: This Zesty Garlic Herb Quinoa Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and get ready for the oohs and aahs as your guests devour every last bite.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a great meal-prep option.
Reheat: You can enjoy this salad chilled or at room temperature – no reheating required!
Make-Ahead: In fact, I encourage you to make this salad a day ahead of time. The flavors will have even more time to meld and intensify, making it an absolute flavor explosion when you serve it.
Nutrition Information
Hold onto your forks, because this quinoa salad is not only insanely delicious, but also packed with incredible nutrition. Quinoa is a superfood that’s loaded with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Combined with the healthy fats from the olive oil and the antioxidant-rich herbs, this dish is a true flavor and nutrition powerhouse.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, I encourage you to make it a day ahead of time. The flavors will have even more time to meld and intensify, making it an absolute flavor explosion when you serve it.
Can I use a different type of grain?
Sure, feel free to swap out the quinoa for another grain like bulgur, couscous, or farro. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based and totally vegan-friendly.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! This quinoa salad would be amazing with the addition of grilled chicken, roasted shrimp, or even some crumbled feta or goat cheese.
How long will the salad keep in the fridge?
This Zesty Garlic Herb Quinoa Salad will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it the ultimate meal-prep side dish. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
Try These Next
Print
Zesty Garlic Herb Quinoa Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sides
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and nutritious quinoa salad with zesty garlic and herbs, perfect as a side dish.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and water, bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the cooked quinoa, tomatoes, onion, parsley, and cilantro to the bowl and mix well.
Notes
This salad can be served warm or chilled.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quinoa, salad, healthy, side dish