Citrus Herb Quinoa Salad (Printable Version)
Fluffy quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, herbs and a zesty citrus dressing for a light Mediterranean dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Quinoa
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Vegetables & Herbs
04 - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 small cucumber, diced
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
08 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
→ Citrus Herb Dressing
09 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
12 - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
13 - 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
14 - 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
15 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
16 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
18 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine quinoa, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - While the quinoa cools, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, lemon zest, orange zest, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl until the dressing is fully emulsified.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and sliced green onions.
04 - Pour the citrus herb dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The double citrus trick with both lemon and orange juice makes this taste like sunshine on a plate and people always ask what the secret is.
- It holds up beautifully in the fridge so you can make it ahead for lunches without anything going soggy or sad.
02 -
- Warm quinoa will drink up all the dressing and leave your salad dry so patience while cooling truly pays off.
- The zest is where the real citrus punch lives so do not skip it even if you are tempted to just use juice.
03 -
- Spread the hot quinoa on a baking sheet to cool it in half the time and prevent it from clumping into a solid mass.
- Let the dressing sit for ten minutes before adding it so the garlic softens and the flavors marry beautifully.