Citrus Herb Quinoa and Radish Salad (Printable Version)
Fluffy quinoa tossed with zesty citrus, crisp radishes, cucumber, and fresh herbs in a light lemon dressing.
# Ingredient List:
→ Quinoa
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Citrus
04 - 1 large orange, peeled and segmented
05 - 1 large grapefruit, peeled and segmented
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Vegetables
07 - 6-8 radishes, thinly sliced
08 - 1 small cucumber, diced
09 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
→ Fresh Herbs
10 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
→ Dressing
13 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
14 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
15 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
16 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
17 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine quinoa, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - While the quinoa cools, segment the orange and grapefruit. Thinly slice the radishes and scallions, dice the cucumber, and chop all fresh herbs.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until thoroughly emulsified.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the citrus segments, lemon zest, sliced radishes, diced cucumber, scallions, parsley, mint, and dill.
05 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop further.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast of juicy citrus against peppery radish slices wakes up every part of your palate.
- It comes together with zero cooking stress once the quinoa is done.
02 -
- Do not dress the salad while the quinoa is still warm or the herbs will wilt into sadness.
- Segmenting citrus over a bowl saves the juice and you can pour it straight into the dressing.
03 -
- A sharp knife matters more than anything else here because ragged radish slices release water and look messy.
- Letting the dressed salad rest for even ten minutes before eating transforms it from good to unforgettable.