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Cucumber Quinoa Salad

This cucumber quinoa salad combines crunchy fresh cucumbers with nutty cooked quinoa, tossed together with lemon and herbs. The final dish has a crisp, slightly chewy texture with bright, refreshing flavors and an appearance of colorful cucumber rounds and fluffy quinoa grains mixed throughout.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed
  • 2 large cucumbers preferably thin-skinned, sliced into rounds
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs dill, parsley, or mint, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper season to liking

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Place the rinsed quinoa in a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.
  2. Meanwhile, wash the cucumbers and slice them into thin rounds. Set aside to add freshness and crunch to the salad.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil until well combined. This will create a bright, tangy dressing.
  4. Once the cooked quinoa has cooled enough to handle, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the warm or cooled quinoa and toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl and fold them into the quinoa mixture, ensuring a good distribution of ingredients.
  6. Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss again to combine all flavors.
  7. Serve the salad immediately for best crunch, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy this crisp, refreshing dish!