Quick Lemon and Garlic Quinoa Salad
Bright, zesty, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this Quick Lemon and Garlic Quinoa Salad is the perfect recipe for a nutritious meal in just 25 minutes! Featuring fluffy, protein-rich quinoa tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and fresh parsley, this salad is elevated by a tangy lemon-and-garlic dressing that’s both refreshing and aromatic. The option to add crumbled feta cheese takes it to the next level, adding a creamy, savory touch. Perfect as a light lunch, hearty side, or make-ahead meal, this gluten-free dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it warm or chilled, and let it be your go-to for vibrant, wholesome eating!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cup cucumber, diced
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
Step 4
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Step 5
Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
Step 6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped parsley.
Step 7
Pour the lemon and garlic dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
Step 8
If desired, fold in the crumbled feta cheese for added creaminess and flavor.
Step 9
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Step 10
Serve immediately as a warm salad, or refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1160.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1191.4 |
| Total Fat 68.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 15.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 53.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3101.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 113.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 5.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 9.1g | |
| Protein 37.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 539.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 10.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1345.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories