Print

Fresh Lactose-Free Quinoa Salad Bowl Recipe for Easy Light Meals

fresh lactose-free quinoa salad bowl - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh, vibrant, and lactose-free quinoa salad bowl perfect for light meals, packed with crunchy veggies and a zesty lemon dressing. Quick to prepare and ideal for those avoiding lactose without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) quinoa, rinsed well
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ins: sliced avocado, toasted pumpkin seeds, or crumbled lactose-free feta cheese substitute

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30 seconds using a fine mesh strainer to remove bitterness. Drain well.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat and let quinoa sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam. Fluff with a fork.
  4. While quinoa cooks, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop red bell pepper and red onion (if using). Chop parsley and mint leaves.
  6. Transfer warm quinoa to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle dressing over quinoa and toss gently to coat.
  7. Add chopped vegetables and herbs, tossing to combine evenly.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Stir in optional add-ins if desired.
  9. Serve immediately or chill for 20-30 minutes to let flavors meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Fluff quinoa with a fork instead of stirring vigorously to keep it light and fluffy. Toss dressing into warm quinoa to help it absorb flavors better. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead to avoid sogginess. Fresh lemon juice is preferred over bottled for best flavor. Optional add-ins like avocado or toasted seeds add texture and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa salad, lactose-free, light meal, healthy salad, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, easy recipe, fresh veggies, lemon dressing

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/fresh-lactose-free-quinoa-salad-bowl-recipe-for-easy-light-meals/