Andria's Signature Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad Recipe for Fresh FlavoR
- Rebecca Kenison
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
If you want a salad that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and is easy to prepare, Andria's Signature Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad is a perfect choice. This recipe highlights Andria’s Salad Dressing, which replaces olive oil to bring a unique brightness and balance to every bite. Whether you need a light lunch or a satisfying dinner side, this salad fits the bill and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak.
Ingredients You Will Need
1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ to ¾ cup celery, finely diced
¼ cup red onion, very thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
¼ cup Andria’s Salad Dressing
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
This combination of ingredients creates a salad that is both refreshing and full of texture. The quinoa provides a nutty base, while the fresh herbs and lemon add brightness. The blue cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast that makes each bite interesting.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Once cooked, spread it out on a tray or plate to cool completely. This step is important to avoid wilting the fresh ingredients when mixed.
Combine the vegetables and herbs in a large bowl: cherry tomatoes, celery, red onion, parsley, and dill. These ingredients add crunch and fresh herbal notes.
Add lemon zest and juice to the bowl. The lemon zest intensifies the citrus flavor, while the juice adds acidity that brightens the salad.
Pour in Andria’s Salad Dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly. This dressing replaces olive oil and brings a distinctive flavor that ties all ingredients together.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning carefully to balance the lemon and dressing flavors.
Fold in the crumbled blue cheese just before serving. This prevents the cheese from breaking down and keeps its texture intact.
Why This
Salad Stands Out
No olive oil needed: Andria’s Salad Dressing carries the flavor, giving the salad a deeper, more developed taste than a typical vinaigrette.
Versatile meal option: It works well as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, especially with grilled proteins like chicken, salmon, or steak.
Quick and easy: If you already have Andria’s Salad Dressing on hand, this salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Balanced flavors and textures: The combination of crunchy celery, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and creamy blue cheese creates a satisfying mouthfeel.
Tips for Making the Best Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad
Cook quinoa properly: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness. Use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio and simmer gently until fluffy.
Cool quinoa completely: Warm quinoa can wilt fresh herbs and vegetables, so allow it to cool fully before mixing.
Adjust lemon and dressing: Taste as you go. Some lemons are more tart, so you might want to add a little less juice or dressing depending on your preference.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and dill make a big difference. If you don’t have fresh dill, try substituting with fresh basil or chives for a different twist.
Add protein for a full meal: Toss in grilled chicken strips, cooked shrimp, or flaked salmon to make this salad a complete dish.
Serving Suggestions
This salad shines on its own but also pairs well with a variety of dishes:
Serve alongside grilled chicken breast for a balanced, protein-packed meal.
Pair with pan-seared salmon for a light, nutritious dinner.
Use as a side dish with steak to add a fresh contrast to rich flavors.
Pack it for lunch in a mason jar for a portable, healthy meal option.
Storing and Make-Ahead Tips
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Keep the blue cheese separate and add it just before serving to maintain its texture.
Prepare quinoa and chop vegetables ahead of time to speed up assembly.
This salad is a great option for meal prep because it holds up well and tastes fresh even after a day in the fridge.
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