In the heart of a sun-soaked garden, where the scent of fresh herbs dances in the breeze, I stumbled upon a hidden patch of vibrant greens. It was here that the inspiration for this Herb-Infused Quinoa Salad was born. Every herb whispered a story, and I couldn’t resist the urge to combine their unique flavors into a delightful dish that would celebrate their beauty. This salad is not only a feast for the palate but also a vibrant canvas for the colors of nature.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water. This helps to remove any bitter saponins. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. After cooking, let it cool for a few minutes.
While the quinoa cools, prepare your vegetables and herbs. Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes, and set them aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.
Now, it’s time to introduce the stars of the show—our fresh herbs! Gently fold in the chopped parsley, mint, and basil, allowing their fragrances to envelop the salad. If you’d like to add a creamy touch, sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese.
Next, let’s whip up the citrus vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad, tossing gently to combine all the ingredients.
Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This Herb-Infused Quinoa Salad is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even as a refreshing snack on a warm day. Each bite is a burst of freshness, transporting you to that serene garden where it all began.
Enjoy this vibrant dish and let it remind you of the simple pleasures that fresh herbs can bring to your kitchen.