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Zesty Gluten-Free Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad Recipe

Gluten-free lemon herb quinoa salad in a white bowl, vibrant colors, overhead shot.

Gluten-Free Lemon & Herb Quinoa Salad

Okay, let's get cooking (virtually, at least)! Today, I'm absolutely thrilled to share one of my absolute go-to recipes: a vibrant and utterly delicious Gluten-Free Lemon & Herb Quinoa Salad. Now, I know what you might be thinking – quinoa salad? Sounds a bit… meh, right? But trust me on this one. This isn't your average, bland quinoa situation. This salad is bursting with fresh, zesty flavors and is packed with so much goodness it practically screams "sunshine on a plate".

I first started experimenting with this recipe when I was trying to navigate my own gluten-free journey. I was feeling limited, like I was missing out on so many of the dishes I loved. This salad was a game-changer. It's so versatile – it works as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a base for grilled chicken or roasted veggies. And honestly, it's become such a staple in my kitchen that I'm pretty sure I could make it in my sleep (though I won't be trying that!). I really want everyone to experience how easy eating gluten-free can be when it taste this amazing. So, let's dive in, shall we?

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly (white or tri-color works beautifully).
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth (broth adds a richer flavor, if you have it).
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (if dairy isn't your thing, skip it, it will still taste great!)
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped finely.
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped finely.
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped finely
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced.
  • 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved (or your favorite variety, if you dont like Kalamata)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional, but adds a lovely crunch).
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Let's Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and your liquid of choice (water or vegetable broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Fluff with a fork, and set aside to cool while you prep the other ingredients. Tip: Don't skip the rinsing of the quinoa! It can help remove any bitterness.
  2. Prep the Veggies: While the quinoa is cooling, get to chopping! Dice all your veggies: the bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and halve those olives. Chop your fresh herbs nice and fine. Having everything ready before moving to the next step is key. This makes assembly a breeze!
  3. Make the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Tip: Taste as you go! Adjust the seasonings to your liking – some people prefer a little more lemon, others a little more salt.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled quinoa, diced veggies, chopped herbs, feta cheese (if using), and the toasted nuts (if using). Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently, making sure every little grain of quinoa is coated in that delicious dressing.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Have a good taste and see if you want a touch more lemon juice, olive oil, salt, etc. it's entirely up to you, remember it's your salad!
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This is a really important step to let the flavors really blend and settle. Serve it cold or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for Success

  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
  • Add Protein: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cannellini beans would be amazing additions for a more substantial meal.
  • Switch the Herbs: Use dill, or chives if you prefer those flavors you can experiment with any of your favorite herbs
  • Veggie Swap: Roasted vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts could add great flavors, or even grilled zucchini would make a delicious addition.
  • Grain Alternative: While we're focusing on quinoa, feel free to swap for brown rice, or couscous if prefer you don't like quinoa.
  • Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or a potluck contribution. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
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Recipe Card – Gluten-Free Lemon & Herb Quinoa Salad

Prep time:

20 minutes

Cook time:

15 minutes

Chill time:

30 minutes

Serves:

4-6

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta (optional)
  • 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup mint, chopped
  • 1/4 cup basil, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook the quinoa in water or broth, set aside to cool.
  2. Dice all veggies and herbs.
  3. Whisk together the lemon dressing ingredients.
  4. Combine quinoa, veggies, herbs, feta (if using), and nuts (if using).
  5. Pour dressing over salad, toss gently.
  6. Chill for 30 minutes.
  7. Taste, adjust and serve cold

Product Recommendations

If you want to make this process a breeze, I can't recommend a few awesome kitchen tools enough. First, for achieving the perfectly cooked quinoa, a good quality saucepan is key. I love my Cook's Standard Stainless Steel Saucepan. Additionally, for chopping all those veggies quickly and fuss-free, a sharp chef's knife makes a world of difference. And finally, to get the most out of your lemons, a good Microplane zester/grater ensures that you're getting all the lovely zest without cutting into the bitter pith. These kitchen items will go the distance for this and many of your other cooking needs.

Gluten-free lemon herb quinoa salad in a white bowl, vibrant colors, overhead shot.

So, there you have it! A gluten-free salad that is far from boring and definitely full of amazing flavors that is sure to be one of your go to recipes. I hope you love it as much as I do. Don't be shy – let me know in the comments if you make it and what twists were your favorites. Happy eating!

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