
Sunshine in a Bowl: My Favorite Gluten-Free Lemon & Herb Quinoa Salad
Hey there, fellow food adventurers! You know those days when you just crave something vibrant, refreshing, and absolutely bursting with flavor? Well, for me, that's pretty much every day, but especially when the sun is shining. Today, I'm sharing one of my all-time favorite recipes – a gluten-free Lemon & Herb Quinoa Salad that's like a little burst of sunshine in a bowl.
Now, this isn't just any salad. It's the kind of salad that makes you feel good from the inside out. It started as a bit of an experiment, really. I had a fridge full of fresh herbs, a lemon begging to be juiced, and a pantry stocked with quinoa. The result? Absolute magic! I've made this countless times now, and it always hits the spot – whether it's a quick lunch, a potluck crowd-pleaser, or a light dinner. It's effortlessly elegant but ridiculously easy to put together and I'm so excited to share this with you all. It's the kind of recipe that will become a regular in your rotation, trust me. Ready to dive in?
What You'll Need: Gathering Your Sunny Ingredients
Here's what'll fill your kitchen with incredible smells and your bowl with deliciousness:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (about 2-3 stalks)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but oh-so-good!)
- 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds (or pine nuts)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder, if you're in a pinch)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Substitutions & Adaptations:
- Feta Alternative: For a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor. You could also try a vegan feta cheese alternative.
- Nut-Free: Swap the almonds for toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds to keep this nut-free.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to play around with the herbs! Basil, chives, or even a bit of oregano can add wonderful flavor variations.
- Grain Switch-Up: If you're not feeling quinoa, try using brown rice or a gluten-free couscous.
Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step to Salad Perfection
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool. Pro-tip: Don't skip the rinsing! It helps remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- Prepare the Herbs: While the quinoa is cooking, wash and chop all your fresh herbs. I love the scent of fresh herbs, it always makes cooking feel like a little bit of magic. Chop your green onions and mince your garlic too.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper. Don't be shy with that lemon juice! It's what makes this salad sing.
- Combine: Once the quinoa is cooled, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the chopped herbs, green onions, and crumbled feta cheese (if using) to the bowl. Pour the lemon dressing over the quinoa mixture.
- Toss it Up: Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, ensuring everything is coated well with the lovely lemon dressing.
- Add the Crunch: Sprinkle the toasted almonds (or other nuts/seeds) over the salad. I like to add these right before serving so they stay nice and crunchy.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the salad a quick taste, and adjust seasonings as needed. Maybe another pinch of salt, or a splash more lemon? It's all up to you!
Tips & Tricks For Salad Success
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad is fantastic for meal prepping! You can cook the quinoa and chop the veggies ahead of time and simply assemble right before serving. Just store everything separately, then add dressing and nuts right before serving. The nuts stay crispier that way!
- Protein Power Up: Want to bulk it up a bit? Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or some roasted vegetables.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is fantastic on its own, as a side dish, or served on a bed of greens. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken. Consider serving it with a dollop of hummus or a side of toasted pita.
- Flavor Burst: For extra flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. The difference it makes is amazing.

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Gluten-Free Lemon & Herb Quinoa Salad
Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds (or pine nuts)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (2-3 tablespoons)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook rinsed quinoa according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
- Wash and chop all herbs and green onions. Mince garlic.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, herbs, green onions, and feta (if using).
- Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
- Top with toasted nuts or seeds. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Product Recommendations:
- For a fantastic cooking experience, this 3-Quart Saucepan with Lid is perfect for cooking your quinoa! It ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
- A Microplane Zester is a game-changer for getting that lovely, fresh lemon zest. It's worth every penny!
- This Set of Mixing Bowls comes in handy for every salad preparation. They are durable, easy to clean, and come in various sizes perfect for all your needs.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! My go-to gluten-free Lemon and Herb Quinoa salad. I truly believe that food should be a celebration, and this salad is the embodiment of that sentiment. It's incredibly versatile, bursting with flavor, and super good for you! So go ahead, whip up a batch, and add a bit of sunshine to your day. You deserve it! I'd love to hear what you think and any variations you might try. Happy cooking, my friends!

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