Herb Quinoa Salad with Citrus Dressing

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €8.00 · €1.33/serving

• 1 cup organic quinoa, thoroughly washed (rinse until water runs clear to remove bitter saponins)Est. price €1.20–€2.50
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for seasoningEst. price €0.02–€0.05
• 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juiceEst. price €0.15–€0.30
• 1 fresh garlic clove, finely minced (let sit for 10 minutes to maximize health benefits)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• 1/2 cup premium extra-virgin olive oilEst. price €2.50–€5.00
• Freshly ground peppercornsEst. price €0.03–€0.08
• 1 large English hothouse cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers, diced into 1/4 cubesEst. price €0.80–€1.50
• 1 pint ripe cherry tomatoes, cut in halfEst. price €2.00–€3.50
• 2/3 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsleyEst. price €0.40–€0.80
• 1/2 cup hand-torn fresh mint leavesEst. price €0.60–€1.20

Steps

1. 1

   In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 1/4 cups of water. Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and allow the quinoa to simmer until it becomes tender; this should take approximately 10 minutes. After cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. To finish, use a fork to fluff up the quinoa grains before serving.

2. 2

   Begin by combining lemon juice and minced garlic in a small bowl. Slowly incorporate olive oil into the mixture while whisking continuously. Season the dressing with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

3. 3

   After cooking, spread the quinoa evenly on a wide baking sheet to allow it to cool down. Once cooled, transfer the quinoa to a spacious bowl and gently toss it with 1/4 cup of dressing. If preparing in advance, this step can be done a day before serving. Simply store any remaining dressing and the dressed quinoa separately in the refrigerator.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Quinoa, a staple grain of the Inca civilization in South America, is a symbol of health and sustenance. The combination of Mediterranean herbs and citrus dressing in this salad reflects a fusion of flavors from various culinary traditions.

• Seasonal note

  This Herb Quinoa Salad with Citrus Dressing is best made in the spring and summer when cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, and mint are in season, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful ingredients.

• Health note

  This salad is a nutritious choice, providing a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, essential for immune function, skin health, and blood clotting. The low sugar content and high fiber help support stable blood sugar levels.