Balsamic Herb Quinoa Salad: A Flavorful & Nutritious Delight

Quinoa salads are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. They’re incredibly versatile, easily customizable, and perfect for meal prepping. This Balsamic Herb Quinoa Salad takes it a step further, combining the nutty flavor of quinoa with the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar and the vibrant freshness of herbs. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling energized. This salad is also naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to vegan diets, making it a winner for almost everyone!

## Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Herb Quinoa Salad

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, and the earthy quinoa creates an incredibly flavorful salad.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Quinoa is a complete protein, packed with essential amino acids, fiber, and minerals. This salad is a nutritional powerhouse.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a main course with added protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
* **Easy to Make:** With minimal cooking and simple ingredients, this salad comes together quickly and easily.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or protein sources.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This salad holds up well in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prepping for the week.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients for this delicious Balsamic Herb Quinoa Salad:

* **Quinoa:** The star of the show! Choose any type of quinoa you prefer – white, red, or tri-color. Just be sure to rinse it well before cooking to remove any bitterness.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** This provides the signature tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Use a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best results. A balsamic glaze can also be drizzled over the finished salad for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
* **Fresh Herbs:** A blend of fresh herbs adds vibrancy and aroma. I recommend a combination of parsley, basil, and mint, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like cilantro, dill, or chives.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil provides a healthy fat and helps to bind the ingredients together.
* **Lemon Juice:** Adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar.
* **Vegetables:** Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion are my go-to vegetables for this salad. They add color, texture, and freshness. You can easily substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.
* **Garlic:** A clove of minced garlic adds a pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the salad to taste.

**Optional Add-ins:**

* **Protein:** Grilled chicken, chickpeas, feta cheese, or toasted nuts for added protein.
* **Cheese:** Crumbled feta cheese, goat cheese, or mozzarella balls.
* **Nuts and Seeds:** Toasted almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrients.
* **Dried Fruit:** Dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a touch of sweetness.

## Detailed Recipe: Balsamic Herb Quinoa Salad

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this flavorful salad. Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients; the process is surprisingly simple!

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
* 2 cups water or vegetable broth
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1 cup cucumber, diced
* 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
* 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

**Optional Add-ins:**

* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1/4 cup toasted almonds, slivered
* 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

### Equipment:

* Medium saucepan
* Large mixing bowl
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife

### Instructions:

**1. Cook the Quinoa:**

* Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water for at least 30 seconds to remove any bitterness. This is a crucial step!
* In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Using vegetable broth adds a little extra flavor.
* Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
* Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked through. The quinoa should be fluffy and slightly translucent.
* Remove the saucepan from the heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Allow it to cool completely before adding it to the salad. Spreading the quinoa out on a baking sheet will help it cool faster.

**2. Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette:**

* While the quinoa is cooking and cooling, prepare the balsamic vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
* Whisk vigorously until the ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Emulsification means the oil and vinegar are blended together smoothly.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.

**3. Chop the Vegetables and Herbs:**

* Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, basil, and mint.
* Halve the cherry tomatoes.
* Dice the cucumber into small cubes.
* Finely chop the red onion. The finer the chop, the less overpowering the onion flavor will be.
* Chop the parsley, basil, and mint. Fresh herbs are key to the vibrant flavor of this salad. Avoid using dried herbs.

**4. Assemble the Salad:**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, basil, and mint.
* Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
* If you’re using any optional add-ins like feta cheese, toasted almonds, or chickpeas, add them to the salad now and toss gently to combine.

**5. Chill and Serve:**

* Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the salad to cool down completely.
* Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar.
* Serve the Balsamic Herb Quinoa Salad chilled. It’s delicious on its own as a light lunch or side dish, or you can serve it with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a more substantial meal.

## Tips and Variations

* **Quinoa Cooking Tips:** For the best quinoa texture, use a 2:1 ratio of liquid to quinoa (2 cups of water or broth for every 1 cup of quinoa). Avoid overcooking the quinoa, as it will become mushy. Fluff the quinoa with a fork immediately after cooking to prevent it from clumping together.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** Experiment with different types of balsamic vinegar to find your favorite flavor. Aged balsamic vinegar has a richer, more complex flavor. You can also use a balsamic glaze for a sweeter, more intense flavor.
* **Herb Variations:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs. Cilantro, dill, chives, or oregano would all be delicious in this salad.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, spinach, or kale would all be great additions.
* **Protein Additions:** Add grilled chicken, fish, tofu, chickpeas, lentils, or beans for a more substantial meal.
* **Cheese Additions:** Crumbled feta cheese, goat cheese, or mozzarella balls add a creamy and tangy element to the salad.
* **Nut and Seed Additions:** Toasted almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds add crunch and nutrients.
* **Make it Vegan:** To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative.
* **Meal Prep:** This salad is perfect for meal prepping. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will actually improve over time.
* **Add Avocado:** Dice a ripe avocado and gently toss it into the salad just before serving. Avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.
* **Grilled Vegetables:** Grill your vegetables before adding them to the salad for a smoky flavor. Grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant would be especially delicious.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic vinaigrette for a little heat.
* **Sweeten it Up:** Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the balsamic vinaigrette for a touch of sweetness.

## Serving Suggestions

This Balsamic Herb Quinoa Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Light Lunch:** Enjoy a bowl of this salad on its own for a light and healthy lunch.
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, steak, or tofu.
* **Potluck Dish:** This salad is perfect for potlucks and picnics. It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any special serving instructions.
* **Meal Prep:** Prepare a large batch of this salad on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
* **Salad Bar:** Add this salad to your salad bar for a healthy and flavorful option.
* **Stuffing:** Use this salad as a stuffing for bell peppers or tomatoes.
* **Wrap Filling:** Use this salad as a filling for wraps or pita bread.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, without optional add-ins)

* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 6-8 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
* Fiber: 4-6 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Storage Instructions

* Store leftover Balsamic Herb Quinoa Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time.
* If you’re adding avocado, add it just before serving, as it will brown in the refrigerator.
* It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the quinoa and vegetables may change.

## Conclusion

This Balsamic Herb Quinoa Salad is a delicious, healthy, and versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors, nutritious ingredients, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this flavorful and satisfying salad!

## Enjoy!
This Balsamic Herb Quinoa Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to experiment, customize, and create a dish that perfectly suits your taste and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or a meal prep staple, this salad delivers on flavor, nutrition, and convenience. So, get creative, have fun, and savor every bite!

Bon appétit!