Lemon 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.
- Author: Maya
- 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
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
- 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