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Ancient Grain Salad
Chef Hamid

Classic Lemon-Herb Quinoa Salad

Fluffy, properly rinsed quinoa tossed with Mediterranean vegetables, fresh herbs, Kalamata olives, and feta in a bright lemon-Dijon dressing. The three-minute rinse removes bitter saponins for clean, nutty flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Quinoa
  • 1 cup 170g quinoa (white, red, or tricolor)
  • cups 420ml water or vegetable broth
  • ½ teaspoon 3g kosher salt
For the Salad
  • 3 tablespoons 45ml extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons 30ml fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 teaspoon 5ml Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon 3g kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon 1g black pepper
  • 1 cup 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 English cucumber 200g, diced
  • ½ cup 75g Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ½ cup 20g fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup 15g fresh mint, chopped
  • cup 50g crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Method
 

  1. Rinse quinoa in fine-mesh strainer under cold water for 3 minutes, agitating with hands until water runs clear. Heat medium saucepan over medium heat, add rinsed quinoa, toast 2-3 minutes stirring frequently. Add water and ½ teaspoon salt, bring to boil. Reduce to low, cover, simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let stand covered 5 minutes. Fluff with fork, spread on baking sheet to cool 20 minutes. In large bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon, salt, pepper. Add cooled quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, parsley, mint. Toss well. Top with feta. Serve room temperature or chilled. Keeps 4 days refrigerated.

Notes

Quinoa color: White is mildest, red/black hold shape better. Vegan: omit feta or use toasted pine nuts. Protein boost: add chickpeas or grilled chicken. Flavor improves after 24 hours.