Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
This delightful Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is inspired by the traditional flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Combining the nutty goodness of quinoa with vibrant herbs and fresh lemon juice, this dish serves as a refreshing alternative to your typical tabbouli or couscous. It's perfect for hot summer days, picnics, or light lunch options, and can easily be served as a side dish or a main vegetarian delight. Elevate your grain salad game with this healthy, protein-packed option that’s as delicious as it is vibrant. Enjoy the freshness with every bite!
6
Servings
117
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
vegetable oil
1 1/2 tablespoons (for cooking)
water
2 cups (for boiling)
dried marjoram or oregano
3/4 teaspoon (dried)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon (crumbled)
parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh lemon rind
1/2 teaspoon (grated)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly rinse the quinoa under cold water. Drain and repeat this process five times to remove any bitterness.
2
In a 2-quart saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3
Add the rinsed quinoa to the saucepan, and cook while stirring continuously until the quinoa makes a popping sound and begins to toast, about 3 to 5 minutes.
4
Pour in the water and add the marjoram, thyme, and rosemary. Stir well to combine.
5
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the quinoa simmer for 15 minutes.
6
After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the quinoa to absorb any remaining water.
7
Add the chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, grated lemon rind, and pepper to the quinoa. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
8
Cover the saucepan again and let it simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat.
9
Fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving, and enjoy this refreshing salad warm or chilled.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
18g
Carbs
3g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired grain salad that combines nutty quinoa with vibrant herbs and fresh lemon juice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 117 calories.
Is this quinoa salad recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is tagged as a gluten-free dish.
How should I prepare the quinoa to remove bitterness?
Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain it five times before cooking.
What kind of oil should be used for cooking the quinoa?
You should use 1 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How long should the quinoa be toasted in the saucepan?
Cook the quinoa for 3 to 5 minutes until it makes a popping sound and begins to toast.
What dried herbs are included in this salad?
The recipe uses dried marjoram or oregano, dried thyme, and crumbled dried rosemary.
How much water is needed for one cup of quinoa?
The recipe requires 2 cups of water.
How long does the quinoa need to simmer initially?
It should simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
What should I do after the initial 15-minute simmer?
Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to absorb any remaining water.
What fresh ingredients are added after the quinoa is cooked?
Chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, grated lemon rind, and pepper are added.
What is the total simmering time for this recipe?
The total simmering time is 20 minutes: 15 minutes initially and 5 minutes after adding the seasonings.
Can this salad be served cold?
Yes, it can be enjoyed both warm and chilled.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 3g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this salad provide?
Each serving contains 2g of fiber.
What size saucepan is recommended?
A 2-quart saucepan is recommended for this recipe.
Should the lemon rind be grated?
Yes, you should use 1/2 teaspoon of grated fresh lemon rind.
What should I do before serving the quinoa?
Fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving.
What heat setting is used for toasting the quinoa?
Use medium-high heat for toasting the quinoa.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
Reduce the heat to low for simmering the quinoa.
How much fresh lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for a Mediterranean diet?
Yes, it is inspired by the traditional flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
What is the recommended preparation for the rosemary?
The dried rosemary should be crumbled.
Can this be used as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a side dish or a main vegetarian delight.
What is the primary category for this recipe?
The primary category for this recipe is Grains.