How to Make the Perfect Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
Mediterranean · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This bright and nutritious quinoa salad is loaded with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It is high in protein, completely plant-based, and holds up perfectly without wilting during outdoor picnics.
Why this recipe works
This Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa cooled
- 1 medium cucumber diced small
- 200 g cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.5 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water then cook in 4 cups of salted water for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the tails have unfurled. Spread on a tray to cool completely.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes and olives, and finely chop the fresh parsley while the quinoa cools to room temperature.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano in a small bowl until well combined.
Step 4: Toss and Pack
Combine the cooled quinoa with all the prepared vegetables and pour the lemon dressing over the top. Toss thoroughly and pack into a sealed container for the picnic.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- kalamata olives → green olives or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile
- fresh parsley → fresh mint or cilantro for a different herbal brightness
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Packing the salad while the quinoa is still warm which causes the vegetables to become limp
- Skipping rinsing the quinoa which leaves a bitter saponin coating on the grains
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 12g protein, 42g carbs, 11g fat, 5g fiber.
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