Citrus Herb Quinoa Tomato (Printable)
Fluffy quinoa tossed with tomatoes, herbs, and bright citrus dressing for a fresh Mediterranean side.
# List of ingredients:
→ Quinoa
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Vegetables & Herbs
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
06 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
→ Citrus Dressing
10 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
14 - 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
15 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
16 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
17 - Salt to taste
# Steps:
01 - Combine rinsed quinoa, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, mint, and dill. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, orange juice, lemon zest, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
04 - Pour the citrus dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the quinoa grains and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
05 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The citrus dressing hits that perfect balance between tangy and sweet, making every bite feel alive without overpowering the fresh herbs.
- It holds up beautifully at room temperature, which means no stressing over oven space or last minute reheating when you are already juggling three other dishes.
02 -
- Do not dress the salad and then refrigerate it overnight because the cucumber will weep and the herbs will darken, turning your vibrant bowl into something sad and watery.
- Letting the dressed salad sit at room temperature for twenty minutes before serving actually improves the flavor because the quinoa absorbs the dressing and softens the sharpness of the onion.
03 -
- Spread the cooked quinoa on a sheet pan to cool it down fast, because warm quinoa will wilt the herbs and partially cook the tomatoes if you rush this step.
- A tiny pinch of salt in the dressing before you whisk everything together helps the mustard emulsify more smoothly and creates a silkier texture.