Cilantro Lemon Quinoa Salad Recipes

ZESTY QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl.
• Combine quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, and green onions together in a bowl. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator.

SERIOUSLY GOOD QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Add quinoa to a fine mesh strainer, and then rinse under cool water for 30 seconds to a minute. Alternatively, add the quinoa to a bowl and cover with cool water. Move the quinoa around the bowl, and then drain the water and repeat once more, so the quinoa has been rinsed.
• Shake the quinoa of any excess liquid. Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil then reduce to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, until the liquid is absorbed by the quinoa, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Move the saucepan off of the heat and cover for five minutes. This extra time allows the quinoa to steam and "fluff up." Uncover, and then fluff the quinoa with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly.
• When the quinoa has cooled slightly, in a large bowl, combine the quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, bok choy, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and the herbs.
• In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until blended.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Taste then adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed. For an extra pop of flavor, spritz the juice from a few lemon wedges over the salad. Serve.

LEMON-FLAVORED QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse the quinoa in a strainer.
• In a medium saucepan heat the quinoa and water to boiling.
• Reduce heat and simmer until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy, about 15 minutes. Drain any extra water and set aside.
• While the quinoa is cooking, make the dressing. Whisk together the garlic, tahini, lemon zest and juice, and olive oil. Add the hot water to thin and then add the salt.
• Toss the cooked quinoa, beans, cilantro, red onion, and half of the dressing. Add more dressing if desired and season with additional salt to taste.
• Serve garnished with fresh cilantro.