Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad! This dish is an epic, sensational explosion of fresh, vibrant ingredients that will have your taste buds dancing. Get ready to smash this irresistible, mouth-watering salad and experience the ultimate food adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
This Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is an incredible, legendary dish that will revolutionize your lunch game! It’s packed with an insane amount of flavor, thanks to the explosive combination of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and the nutty, fluffy quinoa. The textures are absolutely thrilling, with the crunch of fresh veggies, the chewiness of the quinoa, and the creamy, tangy dressing. This salad is a massive, mouth-watering flavor bomb that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s a healthy, protein-packed option that’s perfect for meal prep or a quick, exciting lunch. Get ready to experience a culinary adventure that’s out of this world!
Ingredients
This Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad features a sensational lineup of fresh, vibrant ingredients that will elevate your taste buds. You’ll need quinoa, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, parsley, basil, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese. The combination of these epic, mouth-watering elements creates a flavor explosion that’s truly addictive.
- 1 cup – Quinoa, cooked according to package instructions
- 1/4 cup – Fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons – Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon – Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup – Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup – Fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup – Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup – Cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup – Red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup – Crumbled feta cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Quinoa: Farro or bulgur would also be delicious in this salad (they provide a similar nutty, chewy texture)
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese or shredded chicken would be a great dairy-free or protein-boosting swap
How to Make Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
Let’s get started on creating this insane, mouth-watering salad!
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions. While that’s happening, chop up all your fresh veggies – the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Finely mince the garlic and chop the parsley and basil. Get everything ready to assemble this insane, mouth-watering salad!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard to create a creamy, tangy dressing. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once the quinoa is cooked and cooled slightly, add it to the dressing and toss to coat.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Now it’s time to assemble this epic, explosive salad! Add the chopped veggies, fresh herbs, and crumbled feta to the quinoa. Give everything a gentle toss to combine all the insane, mouth-watering flavors and textures.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra burst of freshness and flavor, you can squeeze a bit of extra lemon juice over the top of the salad. Trust me, this is going to be an addictive, thrilling dish that will have your taste buds begging for more!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Avocado Addition: Try adding some sliced avocado for creamy, rich texture.
- Protein Boost: Top it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty, filling meal.
- Veggie Swap: Roasted bell peppers, grilled zucchini, or shredded carrots would all be amazing additions.
- Herb Swap: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herb combinations, like cilantro, dill, or mint.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad.
Storage: Store this Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheat: No need to reheat – this salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Make-Ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prepping. The flavors only get better as it sits, so you can make it a few days in advance.
Nutrition Information
This Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is a nutritional powerhouse! Quinoa is a protein-packed superfood, while the fresh veggies and herbs provide a massive dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The healthy fats from the olive oil and feta cheese make this a truly well-balanced, epic meal. Indulge in this incredible, mouth-watering salad without any guilt – it’s a revolutionary, game-changing lunch option that will leave you feeling amazing.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 38 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t like quinoa?
No problem! You can easily swap the quinoa for another whole grain, like farro, bulgur, or even brown rice. The flavors will still be absolutely insane and legendary.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is perfect for meal prepping. The flavors only get better as it sits, so you can make it a few days in advance and enjoy it throughout the week.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use certified gluten-free quinoa. It’s a delicious, explosive option for anyone following a gluten-free diet.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu would be amazing additions to this Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad. It turns this already epic dish into a complete, thrilling meal.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This salad will stay fresh and flavorful in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, give it a quick toss and you’ll have an explosive, mouth-watering lunch ready to go!
Try These Next
- Zesty Garlic Herb Quinoa Salad
- Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad featuring quinoa, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon dressing, perfect for lunch.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 cup mint, chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Rinse 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.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, herbs, and feta.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
8. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
9. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Great for meal prep! Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: quinoa, salad, healthy, lunch, vegetarian