Quinoa Salad
Meal-prep quinoa that stays fluffy: bright lemon dressing, crisp veggies, and clean herb flavor.
Timing note: 35 mins
Quinoa Salad
Meal-prep quinoa that stays fluffy: bright lemon dressing, crisp veggies, and clean herb flavor.
Timing note: 35 mins
The Key Move
Rinse, cook 1:2, rest covered 10 minutes, then fluff--fluffy quinoa is about steam management.
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The Setup
- Saucepan3 qt with lid
- Fork
- Mixing Bowl
The Mise en Place
5 of 11Your prep station before cooking begins
My quinoa turned into a mushy, sticky mess.
Ah, that happens when the steam gets trapped too much or not enough.
The salad tastes a little flat, like it's missing something.
Quinoa can be a bit shy on its own. It needs a little zing to wake it up! Try adding another tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and a good pinch more salt. That brightness and seasoni…
Chef's Notes
Refrigerate up to 5 days. Brighten with lemon before serving.
The Method
SIMMER
Prep aheadBring quinoa (1½ cups), water (3 cups), and 1/2 tsp salt to a boil. Cover, reduce to low, and simmer 15 minutes, until Little tails appear; no water pooled at bottom.
No stirring—stirring breaks grains and makes quinoa wet. • Little tails appear; no water pooled at bottom • Lightly nutty aroma
Scorch risk: Reductions can go from perfect to burnt fast. Keep an eye on the bottom and stir if needed.
Water absorbed; quinoa tender
REST
Prep aheadTurn off heat and rest covered 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool 10 minutes.
Resting is the fluff step—skip it and you get wet quinoa. • Quinoa lifts and separates when fluffed • Steamy grain aroma
Grains separate and look fluffy
WHISK
Prep aheadWhisk olive oil (¼ cups), lemon juice (¼ cups), Dijon (if using), salt, and pepper into a bright dressing.
Dijon helps the dressing cling instead of pooling. • Light emulsion, no oil slick • Citrus aroma pops
Dressing tastes sharp and seasoned
TOSS
Prep aheadToss cooled quinoa (1½ cups) with cucumber (1 whole), tomatoes (2 whole), onion, parsley (¾ cups), and dressing. Taste and adjust salt and lemon.
Cool quinoa before dressing so it doesn't drink all the sauce. • No watery pooling; vegetables stay crisp • Fresh herb aroma
Salad tastes bright and clean
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