Busy people, meet your new best friend: the zesty quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette. This bright, flavor-packed dish is the ultimate weeknight hero, ready in just a few minutes and packed with nutrients to keep you fueled and satisfied. As the bold culinary rebel behind BusyCookLife.com, I’m thrilled to share this recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This zesty quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette
This quinoa salad is the perfect balance of flavors and textures, with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, crunchy veggies, and protein-rich quinoa. It’s a one-bowl wonder that’s endlessly customizable to suit your taste buds. Plus, it’s a cinch to prepare, making it the ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal-prepping. Whether you’re looking to support your weight management goals or simply want a nourishing, delicious meal, this quinoa salad is sure to become a new go-to.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll need just a handful of wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients to whip up a batch of this zesty quinoa salad. The star of the show is, of course, quinoa – a superfood grain that’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. You’ll also need fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a few pantry staples to create the tangy, flavorful vinaigrette.
- 1/2 cup – cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup – diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp – sliced green onions
- 2 tbsp – chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp – lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt and pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bell Pepper: Cherry tomatoes or cucumbers (adds a different crunch and flavor profile)
- Parsley: Cilantro or basil (for a more herbal or pesto-like vibe)
How to Make zesty quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette
This quinoa salad is a snap to throw together, making it the perfect choice for a quick, nourishing meal. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a vibrant, flavor-packed dish ready in no time.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the rest of your ingredients. Dice the bell pepper, slice the green onions, and chop the parsley.
Step 2: Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the zesty vinaigrette.
Step 3: Assemble
Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Meal-Prep Pro Tip: This quinoa salad holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a perfect grab-and-go option for busy weeks.
- Protein Power-Up: For an extra boost of protein, try stirring in some cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken.
- Craving Customization? Swap the bell pepper for cherry tomatoes or cucumbers, or add in some crumbled feta or toasted almonds for extra flavor and texture.
- Flavor Fusion: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, nuts, or seeds to put your own spin on this versatile quinoa salad.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: grilled proteins, roasted veggies, or all on its own as a light and refreshing main dish.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Microwave Reheat: If you need to reheat this salad, a quick 30-second spin in the microwave should do the trick.
Make-Ahead: This quinoa salad is even better when made in advance, as the flavors have time to meld together.
Nutrition Info
This quinoa salad is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. One serving provides a balanced dose of complex carbs, healthy fats, and antioxidants to fuel your body and support your weight management goals.
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
FAQs
Can I use a different type of grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! If quinoa isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with another whole grain like farro, bulgur, or even brown rice.
How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
This quinoa salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal-prepping.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this zesty quinoa salad is naturally gluten-free, as quinoa is a gluten-free grain.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, this salad is even better when made in advance, as the flavors have time to meld together.
How can I add more protein to this salad?
For an extra boost of protein, try stirring in some cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, or crumbled feta cheese.
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Print
Zesty Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Healthy Weight Management
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This zesty quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for healthy weight management. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a delightful meal or side.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. 2. In a pot, combine quinoa and water; bring to a boil.
3. 3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. 4. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
5. 5. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, parsley, and feta.
6. 6. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
7. 7. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
8. 8. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg