Refreshing Lemon Quinoa Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts

Recipe Collection: Salads

Refreshing Lemon Quinoa Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts elevates your meal with a vibrant vegetarian dish that combines the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts with the bright flavor of fresh lemon and aromatic herbs. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is perfect for those following a vegetarian diet and is nut allergy-friendly. Its versatile flavor profile makes it an excellent side dish or a light main course, ideal for picnics, barbecues, or meal prep.

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Overview

This Zesty Lemon Quinoa is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the nutty flavor of toasted pine nuts with the refreshing zest of lemon and the aromatic freshness of herbs. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this recipe is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that will elevate any dining experience.

Diet Type

Vegetarian

Allergies

Nuts

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Serving Size: 6

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 0.25 Cups pine nuts
• 1 Cup quinoa, drained
• 2 Cups water
• 0.25 Teaspoon (tsp) sea salt
• 0.25 Cups fresh lemon juice
• 2 Stalks celery, minced
• 0.25 Red onion, minced
• 0.25 Teaspoon (tsp) cayenne pepper
• 0.5 Teaspoon (tsp) cumin, ground
• 1 Bunch fresh parsley, minced
• 1 Pinch sea salt, to taste
• 1 Pinch pepper, to taste

Steps

1. Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once golden and fragrant, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the drained quinoa, water, and 0.25 teaspoons of sea salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and the remaining sea salt.
4. Assemble the Dish: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, toasted pine nuts, minced celery, red onion, and parsley. Pour the lemon dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional sea salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your Zesty Lemon Quinoa as a refreshing side or a light, healthy meal.

Enjoy your homemade Refreshing Lemon Quinoa Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts!