As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I found myself wandering through my garden. The air was fragrant with the scent of fresh herbs, and I couldn’t resist the urge to gather a handful of basil, parsley, and mint. This moment of inspiration led me to create a vibrant and refreshing Herb-Infused Quinoa Salad, perfect for summer evenings spent with friends.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside to cool.
While the quinoa cools, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped basil, parsley, mint, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Their vibrant colors will create a stunning visual display that is sure to impress.
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a zesty vinaigrette. The citrusy notes will enhance the freshness of the herbs and vegetables.
Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the mixing bowl with the vegetables. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together gently, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy finish.
Serve this Herb-Infused Quinoa Salad chilled or at room temperature, allowing the fresh herbs to shine. It makes for a delightful side dish or a light main course. As you take a bite, you’ll be transported to that warm summer evening in the garden, surrounded by nature’s bounty.
Enjoy every flavorful morsel, and may this recipe inspire you to explore the wonderful world of herbs!