A simple and vibrant salad that is full of fresh flavors, this Quinoa and Fresh Herb Salad is the perfect light bite for a vegetarian friendly lunch.
This recipe was originally posted here in March 2018, but the pictures and post have been updated.
A Simple Salad
Sometimes there is nothing more satisfying than a simple salad that is easy to put together and made with fresh ingredients.
This Quinoa and Fresh Herb Salad is light, full of fresh and vibrant flavors, and just so simple. It’s one of those dishes where you just feel healthier after eating it. Plus it’s a tasty way to get your daily greens in without feeling like you are chomping on a big bowl of lettuce.
Let the Flavors Mingle
Since the ingredients are so simple, the trick is to really let this salad sit in the fridge after adding the dressing to marinade for a bit and let all that fresh lime and spices work their magic.
I used kale leaves because they are hearty enough to stand up the lime dressing without getting soggy. There are not many things in life that I can’t stand more than soggy lettuce…yuck.
To add even more flavor, try cooking your quinoa using vegetable stock instead of water. A simple trick that can make a big difference.
Quinoa and Fresh Herb Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup kale chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
- zest of 1 lime
- juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup avocado oil or olive oil if you prefer
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 avocado diced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the quinoa (using vegetable stock in place of water), according to the package instructions.
- Set aside to cool slightly
- In a large bowl, combine kale, parsley, cilantro, scallions and cooked quinoa
- In a small bowl, combine lime zest, lime juice, salt, pepper, cayenne, and red pepper flakes.
- Slowly drizzle in avocado oil and stir to combine dressing.
- Pour dressing over salad and mix well.
- Place in refrigerator for 30 min - 1 hour to allow flavors to marinade
- Remove from fridge and garnish with sunflower seeds and diced avocado.
- Enjoy!
Pin for Later
If you are looking for more tasty salad ideas, check out our collection of healthy salad recipes on pinterest!
I’m loving all the vibrant green colors in this recipe. Fresh herbs make me feel excited for spring!
Nice option to eat quinoa and some fresh herbs. I usually tend to avoid greens but this salad looks tasty. I’d love to try this salad.
[…] texture to salads,” McDowell says. She mixes it with kale, cilantro, and scallions in this quinoa and fresh herb salad, and recommends that you let it sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving to let the flavors […]
[…] and texture to salads,” McDowell says. She mixes it with kale, cilantro, and scallions in this quinoa and fresh herb salad, and recommends that you let it sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving to let the flavors […]
[…] dice McDowell. La mezcla con la col rizada, el cilantro y las cebolletas en esta ensalada de quinua y hierbas frescas , y recomienda que la dejes reposar en la nevera durante unas horas antes de servirla para que […]
[…] me full until dinner. Once this salad makes you a quinoa convert, you’ll want to try this quinoa and herb salad (use only the green parts of the scallions and use half an avocado for Low FODMAP), and this […]
[…] 13. Quinoa Salad With Fresh Herbs […]
[…] Recipe […]