Vibrant Lemon Garlic Quinoa Salad
This Vibrant Lemon Garlic Quinoa Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of quinoa with the zest of lemon and the aroma of garlic. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish, this salad is packed with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats, making it a delightful choice for any meal. It's quick to prepare and can easily adapt to what you have on hand, inviting endless customization.
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Quinoa
1 cup (rinsed)
Water
8 cups (for boiling)
Salt
1 pinch (to taste)
Carrot
1/2 cup (chopped)
Parsley
1/3 cup (minced)
Sunflower seeds
1/4 cup (whole)
Garlic
2-3 cloves (minced)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Gluten-free soy sauce
2 tablespoons (such as San-J Wheat-Free Tamari Soy Sauce)
Instructions
1
Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear to remove any bitterness.
2
Bring the 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large stock pot.
3
Add a pinch of salt to the water along with the rinsed quinoa. Boil for 10 minutes, ensuring the quinoa is tender and the germ has spiraled out.
4
Drain the quinoa using a fine-mesh strainer as you would with pasta, and set it aside to cool.
5
While the quinoa is draining, prepare the dressing by whisking together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and gluten-free soy sauce in a large mixing bowl.
6
Once the quinoa has cooled to room temperature, add it to the bowl with the dressing.
7
Incorporate the chopped carrot, minced parsley, and sunflower seeds into the mix, tossing everything together until well combined.
8
Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice to taste and serve.
9
For best flavor, allow the salad to marinate for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
8.3g
Fat
21.3g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vibrant Lemon Garlic Quinoa Salad?
It is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines earthy quinoa flavors with lemon zest and garlic aroma, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Is this quinoa salad gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses gluten-free soy sauce such as San-J Wheat-Free Tamari Soy Sauce.
Is the Vibrant Lemon Garlic Quinoa Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 175 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this salad?
This salad contains 4.5g of protein per serving.
Why should I rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Rinsing the quinoa under cold water helps remove any bitterness from the natural coating of the grain.
How much water is needed to boil the quinoa?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of water to be brought to a rolling boil in a large stock pot.
How long does it take to boil the quinoa?
The quinoa should be boiled for approximately 10 minutes until tender.
How do I know when the quinoa is finished cooking?
The quinoa is done when it is tender and the germ has spiraled out.
How do I drain the quinoa?
Drain the quinoa using a fine-mesh strainer, similar to how you would drain pasta.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and gluten-free soy sauce.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The recipe includes chopped carrots and minced parsley.
What provides the crunch in this recipe?
Sunflower seeds are added to provide a crunch and extra nutrition.
When should I add the quinoa to the dressing?
Wait until the quinoa has cooled to room temperature before adding it to the bowl with the dressing.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the salad?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice to suit your taste.
How long should the salad marinate before serving?
For the best flavor, allow the salad to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Should this salad be served hot or cold?
The salad can be enjoyed either chilled or at room temperature.
How much fat is in this dish?
The salad contains 8.3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 21.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this salad contain fiber?
Yes, it provides 2.5g of fiber per serving.
What kind of soy sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests a gluten-free option like San-J Wheat-Free Tamari Soy Sauce.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How much garlic should I use?
Use 2 to 3 cloves of minced garlic for this recipe.
What type of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a quick recipe and is tagged as a 'quick' and 'light meal'.
Is this salad suitable for a summer dish?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a 'summer dish' due to its refreshing lemon and garlic profile.
Can I customize this recipe?
Yes, the recipe invites endless customization based on what ingredients you have on hand.
How many sunflower seeds are added?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of whole sunflower seeds.
What is the preparation for the parsley?
The 1/3 cup of parsley should be minced before being incorporated into the salad.
Does the recipe use a specific type of quinoa?
The recipe simply calls for 1 cup of quinoa, which should be rinsed before use.