Lemon Thyme Quinoa Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Lemon Thyme Quinoa Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that brings a burst of citrus and herb flavor to your table. It pairs perfectly with hearty roasted meats and gravies, making it a great addition to holiday meals or any occasion. The salad tastes even better after chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Step 2: Add the cooked and cooled quinoa, diced cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to develop.
Tips & Variations
- For extra brightness, add a little lemon zest to the dressing along with the juice.
- Substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different herb flavor.
- Add chopped fresh parsley or mint for additional freshness.
- Include toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Use grape tomatoes if cherry tomatoes are unavailable.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best served cold or at room temperature. Before serving, refresh the flavors by adding a little extra lemon juice if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad actually tastes better when made ahead and chilled overnight, allowing the flavors to blend fully.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh thyme is preferred for its bright flavor, you can use dried thyme. Use about one-third of the amount and add it to the dressing so it has time to rehydrate and infuse the salad.
PrintLemon Thyme Quinoa Salad Recipe
This Lemon Thyme Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for brightening up heavy holiday meals. Featuring fluffy quinoa, fresh cucumber, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty lemon and thyme dressing, this salad is light yet flavorful and even tastes better after chilling overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh thyme, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a separate bowl, place the cooked and cooled quinoa along with the diced cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Toss and Dress: Pour the lemon thyme dressing over the quinoa and vegetables, then gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully before serving.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. For a fresh boost, squeeze extra lemon juice over the salad just before serving if desired.
Notes
- The salad keeps fresh for up to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill overnight to let the ingredients marinate together.
- Serve cold or at room temperature depending on your preference.
- Refreshing the salad with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving enhances the citrus notes.
Keywords: lemon thyme quinoa salad, quinoa salad, lemon dressing, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, holiday side dish
