Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.

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From Garden to Table: Ultimate Herb-Infused Quinoa Salad You Need to Try

Hey there, busy bees and thrifty cooks! I know what it’s like to juggle a million things during the week while still trying to put something fresh and healthy on the table. I’ve got the perfect solution for you, and it starts right in your garden—or at least your local grocery’s herb aisle. Meet my Herb-Infused Quinoa Salad! This is a recipe that will not only tantalize your tastebuds but also soothe your weeknight woes. It’s fresh, fast, and fabulous—perfect whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the workweek.

Ingredients: Your Simple Green Magic

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best!)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Handful of arugula (optional for that peppery kick)

Step-by-Step: Let’s Get Cooking!

1. First things first, we’re cooking the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water (or broth) to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and fluff it with a fork. Let it cool down.
2. While your quinoa is cooling, let’s whip up the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust with more lemon or seasoning if necessary—you’re the boss in this kitchen.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, fresh basil, and parsley. If using, toss in the feta cheese and arugula for added tastiness.
4. Add the cooled quinoa to the mix—all the fluffy goodness in. Pour over the dressing and toss the salad until everything is well coated.
5. Let the flavors mingle for a few minutes before serving. Trust me; it’s worth the wait. Enjoy your herb-infused creation!

Real Talk: Because We’re All in This Together

• Time-Saver: Life’s hectic, and quick meals like this make weeknights a breeze. More time for things like extra family cuddles or lounging with a book.
• Budget-Friendly: Making smart ingredient choices and growing herbs at home can save you those extra dollars—money that could be put to better use or saved for a rainy day.
• Side Hustle: Just like this recipe simplifies your meal planning, those remote gigs can simplify your finances. Imagine cooking while working a side gig, like a kitchen wizard who brings in more dough than just pizza!

So next time you’re whipping up a batch of this delightful salad, think about how productive your time in the kitchen really can be. If you’re like me, balancing work, life, and everything in between is key. Cooking delicious meals while having the freedom to earn—you’ve got this!

Before you go on your next cooking adventure, don’t forget to pin this for later! It’s a surefire way to make sure you bookmark this culinary gem.