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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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
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.
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.
Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped parsley.
Pour the lemon and garlic dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
If desired, fold in the crumbled feta cheese for added creaminess and flavor.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve immediately as a warm salad, or refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
211 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.4 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 13 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 430 mg | 19% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.6 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 5.5 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 131 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 414 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
