Simple Homemade Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

• •1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• •2 cups water
• •1/4 teaspoon salt (for cooking quinoa)
• •1/4 cup olive oil
• •1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• •1 teaspoon lemon zest
• •1 clove garlic, minced
• •1/2 teaspoon salt (for vinaigrette)
• •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• •1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• •1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• •1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• •2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• •2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• •1/2 cucumber, diced
• •1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.

2. 2

   In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup quinoa, 2 cups water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil.

3. 3

   Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water.

4. 4

   Remove the saucepan from heat and let the quinoa sit for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork. Set aside to cool.

5. 5

   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

6. 6

   In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, dill, mint, cucumber, and feta cheese, if using.

7. 7

   Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss until well combined.

8. 8

   Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.