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 harmonizes the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts with the bright notes of fresh lemon and aromatic herbs. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is perfect for those following a vegetarian diet and is nut allergy-friendly. The flavor profile is a delightful mix of citrus and earthy tones, making it versatile for any occasion—serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or a picnic favorite.

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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 touch of fresh herbs. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this recipe is a delightful blend 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, toasted
• 1 Cup quinoa, drained
• 2 Cups water
• 0.25 Teaspoon (tsp) sea salt
• 0.25 Cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 Stalks celery, minced
• 0.25 Small red onion, minced
• 0.25 Teaspoon (tsp) cayenne pepper
• 0.5 Teaspoon (tsp) cumin, ground
• 1 Bunch fresh parsley, torn
• 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 teaspoon 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 0.25 teaspoon of sea salt.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, toasted pine nuts, minced celery, red onion, and torn parsley. Pour the lemon dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature for a refreshing and flavorful dish. Enjoy!

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