Food Recipe Title: Zesty Lemon and Herb Quinoa Salad Food Recipe Description: This vibrant and nutritious salad features zesty flavors from lemon and fresh herbs combined with protein-packed quinoa for a satisfying and refreshing dish. Serving Size: 4 servings Cooking Time: 20 minutes Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Level: Easy Food Recipe Keywords: Quinoa salad, Lemon herb salad, Zesty salad, Grain salad Food Recipe Category: Salad Food Recipe Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired Food Recipe Yield: 4 servings Food Recipe Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add the quinoa to the boiling liquid, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the cooked quinoa from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped mint leaves, finely chopped red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives.
- Toss the ingredients together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad for added creaminess and flavor.
- Gently toss again to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Allow the salad to cool in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve the Zesty Lemon and Herb Quinoa Salad chilled as a light lunch or as a side dish with your favorite main course.
Enjoy your Zesty Lemon and Herb Quinoa Salad!
