Introduction: Zesty Citrus Herb Vegetarian Quinoa Salad Recipe
This refreshing and zesty salad brings a nice Mediterranean flavor to your table. This Vegetarian Quinoa Salad Recipe is an easy-to-prepare, healthy, and flavorful dish. Quinoa, a superfood rich in protein and fiber, serves as the base for this salad, while the zesty flavors of lemon and orange provide a tangy twist.
The #1 Secret to Making an Amazing Quinoa Salad
The secret to making this salad taste excellent is the quality of the citrus. Fresh, ripe lemons and oranges make a significant difference, offering a burst of natural sweetness and acidity that elevates the dish. When selecting citrus, look for lemons and oranges that are firm, heavy for their size, and have a bright, vibrant color. Avoid fruits that have soft spots or large skin blemishes.
Ingredients of Our Zesty Citrus Herb Vegetarian Quinoa Salad Recipe
Our Zesty Citrus Herb Vegetarian Quinoa Salad Recipe combines tangy citrus flavors with deep earthy flavors of quinoa. To make this Quinoa Salad Recipe, the following ingredients are needed:
- Quinoa: Look for pre-rinsed white quinoa. The prerinsed quinoa will help save time when prepping this dish.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are a must-have for this dish! Look for vibrant and aromatic herbs. These herbs will help add a contrasting flavor to the dish.
- Citrus Fruits: The citrus fruits in this recipe add a sweet and tangy aspect that is unique to this dish. High quality citrus can help add a bright flavor to the earthy flavors of quinoa.
Tools to Make Vegetarian Quinoa Salad Recipe
The right tools can make cooking a fun and enjoyable experience. This dish is designed to be made at home using standard cookware found on our Kitchen Essentials List. Specifically, the following items are necessary:
- Saucepan: A high-quality saucepan is used to cook the quinoa. Make sure your saucepan has a well-fitting lid, as the quinoa will need to simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Whisk: Used to mix the dressing.
- Rice Cooker (Optional): You can cook this vegetarian quinoa salad recipe in a rice cooker.
Vegetarian Quinoa Salad Recipe Overview
As with all of the recipes in our recipe index, this dish is designed so that anyone can make it! Making Vegetarian Quinoa Salad involves a few simple steps:
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Simmer the Quinoa in a medium saucepan until warm and fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the citrus juices, zests, and herbs to create a dressing that compliments the quinoa.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Once the quinoa has cooked and the dressing is ready, mix them together and refrigerate until the quinoa has cooled.
What Should You Serve with Vegetarian Quinoa Salad
This vegetarian dish goes well with many dishes from our recipe index. Here are a few serving suggestions to accompany this Citrus Vegetarian Quinoa Salad Recipe
Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables
This quinoa salad pairs well with Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables such as bell pepper, zucchini, eggplant, and red onions. Look for seasonal vegetables which will have the boldest flavors.
Chickpea and Cucumber Salad
Serve this Vegetarian Quinoa Dish together with a delicious Chickpea and cucumber salad to create a refreshing, protein-rich plate!
Pomegranate Chicken with Honey Glaze
For those looking for a non-vegetarian option, this Quinoa Salad is a very healthy side dish that compliments the flavors of our Pomegranate Chicken recipe. Serve this Quinoa Salad if you’re aiming to add an extra earthy flavor to your plate!
Summary: Vegetarian Quinoa Salad Recipe
This vegetarian quinoa salad recipe is healthy, and easy-to-make. The salad brings the essence of the Mediterranean to your dining table. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish, it’s sure to be a hit!
Vegetarian Citrus Herb Quinoa Salad
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 whisk
- 1 Salad Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup white quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp orange Fresh & Juiced. (don't use store bought orange juice!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint chopped
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Add 1 cup white quinoa and 2 cups water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until Quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed. (Optionally, this recipe can be made in a rice cooker. See notes.)
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp orange zest, 2 tbsp orange (juiced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 2 tbsp fresh mint, Salt, and Pepper.
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and transfer into a salad bowl. Pour the dressing over and mix until it is combined with the quinoa. Refrigerate until cool, usually about 30 minutes.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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