Make-Ahead Quinoa Salad

Discover the perfect combination of fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette in this vibrant Make-Ahead Quinoa Salad. Whether you're preparing meals for the week, packing for a picnic, or just looking for a light lunch option, this salad delivers fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients with ease.

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This salad not only brings together nutritious ingredients but also layers of textures—from the crisp crunch of bell peppers and cucumbers to the tender quinoa base. It's a fresh, clean dish that energizes without heaviness, enjoyable year-round.

Ingredients

• Grains
  1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  2 cups water
  1/2 tsp salt
• Vegetables & Herbs
  1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  1 cup cucumber, diced
  1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
• Vinaigrette
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  1 tsp Dijon mustard
  1 garlic clove, minced
  1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup
  1/4 tsp salt
  1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Optional Additions
  1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds

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Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa.

In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa, water, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.

2. Prep the vegetables and herbs.

Place cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint (if using) in a large bowl.

3. Make the vinaigrette.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

4. Combine quinoa and vegetables.

Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl of vegetables. Pour over the lemon vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.

5. Add optional ingredients.

If desired, fold in crumbled feta and seeds or almonds for added flavor and texture.

6. Chill and serve.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Rinsing quinoa thoroughly helps remove its natural bitterness for a cleaner flavor. Allow the salad to chill well to meld the fresh and tangy tastes, enhancing each bite. For easy cleanup, use a fine-mesh sieve when rinsing quinoa, and prepare the vinaigrette in a jar for quick whisking.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Make this salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese and using maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. Add protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas or grilled chicken to turn it into a more substantial meal. Swap toasted sunflower seeds for slivered almonds, or leave out nuts entirely to accommodate allergies.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this quinoa salad chilled as a refreshing lunch or side dish. It pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing the lemon vinaigrette's brightness. Ideal for picnic outings or packed lunches, it holds up well over several days refrigerated.

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With its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, the Make-Ahead Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a versatile and satisfying choice for any season. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it’s a perfect addition to your recipe collection for healthy, flavorful meals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I cook quinoa properly?

Rinse quinoa thoroughly, then simmer in water with a pinch of salt until water is fully absorbed. Let it sit covered off heat to fluff.

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, refrigerate the combined salad for at least an hour to enhance flavor melding and ensure a refreshing taste.

→ What substitutes can I use for feta cheese?

You can omit feta for a dairy-free option or add toasted nuts or seeds to maintain texture and flavor contrast.

→ How should the lemon vinaigrette be combined?

Whisk olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified before tossing with the salad.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check processed items to avoid hidden gluten sources.