This Veggie-Quinoa Salad in Lemon Halves boasts the vibrant colors of springtime and is just as delicious as it is beautiful.
Veggie-Quinoa Salad in Lemon Halves
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- ½ cup quinoa
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup finely minced raw carrot
- ⅓ cup finely minced raw yellow squash
- ⅓ cup finely minced raw haricots verts (French green beans)
- ⅓ cup finely minced grape tomatoes
- ¼ cup feta cheese crumbles
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 recipe Basil Vinaigrette (recipe on opposite page)
- 3 very large lemons
Instructions
- Prepare quinoa with water and salt according to package directions for steaming. Let cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine cooled quinoa, carrot, squash, haricots verts, tomatoes, feta cheese, and pepper, stirring to blend. Toss with enough Basil Vinaigrette to moisten, reserving remaining vinaigrette to serve on the side with salad.
- Cut lemons in half horizontally using a sharp, serrated knife. Scoop out lemon pulp, leaving lemons hollow. Cut off ends of lemons so that lemon halves will sit level. Divide quinoa salad among lemon halves. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: Lemon halves can be prepared earlier in the day, wrapped in damp paper towels, and stored in a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Quinoa Salad can be made a day in advance and refrigerated in a covered container until needed.
Kitchen Tip: Use a serrated grapefruit spoon to remove pulp from lemons.
Kitchen Tip: Use a serrated grapefruit spoon to remove pulp from lemons.
Basil Vinaigrette
Serves: ¾ cup
Ingredients
- ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon finely minced shallot
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
- ½ cup light olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine vinegar, salt, sugar, mustard, shallot, and basil, whisking to blend. In a slow steady stream, add olive oil, whisking until a smooth emulsion is achieved.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: Vinaigrette can be made earlier in the day and refrigerated until needed. Let come to room temperature before serving. Whisk again before serving.
