Quinoa and Cucumber Salad Recipe

Salads are an incredibly versatile and delightful addition to any meal. Whether you're looking for something refreshing for lunch, a light side dish for dinner, or a dish to bring to a gathering, this quinoa and cucumber salad is a perfect option. It’s fresh, vibrant, and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Combining the wholesome nuttiness of quinoa with the crispness of cucumber, this salad is balanced and full of texture. Fresh herbs, a citrusy dressing, and a few simple ingredients bring this dish together into a harmonious flavor profile.

Below, we’ll walk you through the steps of making this delicious quinoa and cucumber salad. You’ll find that it’s not only easy to prepare, but also incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize it based on what you have available or your personal preferences.

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps to remove any bitterness from the grain. After rinsing, combine 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water in a medium-sized pot. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the quinoa simmer for about 15 minutes. Once the water is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the quinoa is cooling, take the time to prepare the vegetables. Peel the cucumber if desired, then slice it thinly. The cucumber’s crisp, refreshing quality will add a delightful texture to the salad. For extra variety, you can use a mix of regular cucumbers and seedless cucumbers. Next, finely chop the red onion and set it aside. The onion adds a nice contrast of flavor, complementing the mildness of the cucumber and quinoa.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs are a key part of what makes this salad so vibrant and flavorful. Take a moment to chop fresh parsley and cilantro finely. You can adjust the quantity of herbs based on your preference. Parsley adds an earthy, slightly bitter taste, while cilantro provides a fresh, citrusy note to balance the overall flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute or add other herbs, such as mint or basil.

Step 4: Mix the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, sliced cucumbers, chopped red onions, and fresh herbs. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they’re well combined. The vibrant greens of the herbs and cucumber will contrast beautifully with the fluffy, light-colored quinoa, creating an appealing visual presentation.

Step 5: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. This simple, citrus-based dressing ties the whole salad together with a bright, tangy flavor. If you prefer, you can add a dash of balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar for extra depth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Pour the dressing over the quinoa and cucumber mixture, gently tossing the salad to coat the ingredients evenly. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Once everything is well combined, transfer the salad to a serving dish.

Customizing Your Quinoa and Cucumber Salad

One of the wonderful aspects of this salad is its versatility. You can easily modify it to suit your taste or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas for variations:

Add More Vegetables: Consider adding cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or thinly sliced radishes to introduce more color and flavor. The sweetness of cherry tomatoes, for example, adds a lovely contrast to the tartness of the lemon dressing.
Include Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked chickpeas or beans to the salad. They blend beautifully with the quinoa and add extra texture. Grilled chicken or tofu could also be added to make the salad more substantial.
Play with Herbs: While parsley and cilantro are recommended, feel free to experiment with other herbs like mint or dill, which can bring unique flavors to the salad.
Add Nuts or Seeds: Toasted nuts or seeds can enhance the salad’s texture. Consider adding slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for a crunchy topping.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This salad can be enjoyed immediately after it’s prepared, or you can let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re making it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Quinoa and cucumber salad is an excellent dish for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes, particularly grilled vegetables or seafood. If serving for a crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe as needed.

Tips for Making the Perfect Quinoa and Cucumber Salad:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Since this salad is light and simple, fresh ingredients will make all the difference. Crisp cucumbers, fragrant herbs, and fresh lemon juice will elevate the overall flavor.
Cool the Quinoa: Make sure the quinoa is fully cooled before mixing it with the vegetables and herbs. Warm quinoa can cause the vegetables to wilt, and it may affect the texture of the salad.
Balance the Flavors: Taste the salad as you prepare it to ensure that the flavors are well balanced. If it tastes too tangy, add a bit more olive oil; if it’s not zesty enough, add more lemon juice.

This quinoa and cucumber salad is a delightful addition to any meal plan, offering a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. Its fresh, vibrant ingredients and simple preparation make it a go-to recipe for both casual meals and special occasions. Enjoy this easy, customizable salad as a versatile side dish or light main course, and feel free to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients!

Quinoa and Cucumber Salad Recipe