Jennifer Aniston Inspired Quinoa Salad
A vibrant and nutritious quinoa salad inspired by Jennifer Aniston, featuring a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 1 cup quinoa Rinse before cooking
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth Use vegetable broth for added flavor
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup diced cucumber Fresh and crisp
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Adds sweetness and color
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped Provides a sharp flavor
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped Fresh herb for garnish
- 1/4 cup mint, chopped Adds a cool flavor
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled Optional for a tangy flavor
Dressing
- 1 Juice of 1 lemon Freshly squeezed for best flavor
- 3 tablespoons olive oil Use high-quality for better taste
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to preference
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove its natural coating, called saponin.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- While the quinoa is cooking, chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint into bite-sized pieces.
Combining
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint. If you’re using feta cheese, add that in as well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine all the flavors.
Serving
- Enjoy the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.
Notes
Customize ingredients as desired. Chill before serving for best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.