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Ina Garten Quinoa Salad Recipe

Ina Garten Quinoa Salad Recipe

This Ina Garten Quinoa Salad Recipe is fresh, healthy and full of flavor. It is perfect for lunch, dinner or meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
  • ¼ cup parsley chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh mint chopped
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

Rinse the Quinoa

  • Place quinoa into a fine mesh strainer. Rinse under cold water to remove bitter coating before cooking properly.

Cook the Quinoa

  • Add quinoa and water into a saucepan. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fluffy and tender.

Cool the Quinoa

  • Remove cooked quinoa from heat. Fluff gently with a fork and allow it to cool completely before mixing salad.

Chop the Vegetables

  • Dice cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper and onion into small pieces for fresh texture and balanced flavor throughout salad.

Prepare the Herbs

  • Finely chop parsley and mint leaves. Fresh herbs add bright flavor and refreshing taste to the quinoa salad.

Make the Dressing

  • Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt and black pepper together until smooth and fully combined.

Combine the Salad

  • Place cooled quinoa into a large bowl. Add vegetables, herbs and feta cheese evenly over the quinoa mixture.

Add the Dressing

  • Pour prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently until every ingredient becomes evenly coated with delicious dressing flavor.

Chill the Salad

  • Place salad inside the refrigerator for fifteen minutes. Chilling helps the flavors blend together beautifully before serving fresh.

Taste and Adjust

  • Taste the salad carefully. Add extra salt, lemon juice or herbs if needed for balanced flavor and freshness.

Garnish the Salad

  • Sprinkle extra feta cheese and parsley on top before serving. This makes the salad look colorful and appetizing.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve cold or slightly chilled for the best refreshing flavor. Enjoy as a healthy meal or delicious side dish.

Notes

  • Use vegetable broth instead of water for richer quinoa flavor.
  • Add avocado for creamy texture.
  • Use spinach or arugula for extra greens.
  • Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
  • Replace feta with goat cheese if preferred.
  • Add chickpeas for a hearty salad.
  • Toast quinoa lightly before cooking for nutty flavor.
  • Use lime juice instead of lemon for different taste.
Keyword Ina Garten Quinoa Salad Recipe