Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with this mouthwatering Cucumber Dill Quinoa Salad that's not just a dish, but a culinary experience! Packed with fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and nutritional powerhouse quinoa, this recipe is about to become your new go-to summer sensation that will impress everyone from health enthusiasts to foodie friends.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove its natural coating of saponin, which can taste bitter.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool to room temperature.
- While quinoa is cooling, dice cucumber into small, uniform cubes. Finely chop fresh dill and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add diced cucumber, chopped dill, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese to the cooled quinoa.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the bitter saponin coating and ensure a clean, nutty flavor.
- Let quinoa cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting of fresh herbs and vegetables.
- Use fresh dill for maximum flavor - dried herbs won't give the same bright, aromatic result.
- For extra crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
- Use high-quality feta cheese for a more authentic and rich taste.
- Adjust lemon juice and olive oil ratio to suit your personal preference for tanginess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
