Today, I am delighted to present the Sweetgreen Herbed Quinoa Recipe. As it’s healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy to prepare, I make this recipe frequently. Prior to cooking quinoa properly, I thought it was dull. However, when I discovered the proper way to cook quinoa, everything changed.
Many people dislike quinoa, and I completely understand; however, the main reason is most people do not put enough flavour in their cooking. When I initially tried cooking quinoa with chicken bouillon and lemon, it was an amazing experience. Quinoa turns out so much lighter than expected, yet is packed with flavour.
The inspiration for this Herbed Quinoa Recipe came from the simple, earthy bowls of Sweetgreen. This recipe contains lemon, dill, and vegetables as well as feta cheese. It has such an incredible clean, fresh taste, I often eat it for either lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love Sweetgreen Herbed Quinoa
This Sweetgreen Herbed Quinoa Recipe tastes fresh and bright. The lemon makes it zesty, and the dill gives it a soft, herby taste. It feels light but not plain.
The veggies give the bowl crunch and color. The tomatoes taste sweet, the green peppers taste crisp, and the red onion gives a tiny bite. It all blends really well with the warm quinoa.
The feta adds a creamy and salty flavor. The whole bowl tastes simple, clean, and full of good textures. Every bite feels fresh.
Ingredients Required for Sweetgreen Herbed Quinoa Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Sweetgreen Herbed Quinoa Recipe
For the Quinoa Salad
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 1 cup baby tomatoes halved
- 1 small red onion diced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 to 3 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 1 or 2 tbsp crumbled feta
- Salt to taste
For the Dressing
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Pinch of black pepper
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Mason jar or small jar
- Spoon
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
How To Make Sweetgreen Herbed Quinoa
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Sweetgreen Herbed Quinoa at home
1. Rinse the quinoa and place it in a pot with water and chicken bouillon.
2. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it cook until fluffy.
3. When it is done, add minced garlic and cover the pot for 5 minutes to steam.
4. Chop the tomatoes, pepper, and red onion while the quinoa cools.
5. In a jar, add Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper. Shake well.
6. Add cooled quinoa to a bowl and mix in the chopped veggies.
7. Add dill, feta, and salt to taste.
8. Pour on the dressing and stir until everything is coated.
How to Store Sweetgreen Herbed Quinoa Properly?
Keep this quinoa salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tastes best cold or at room temperature. You do not need to reheat it. If it dries out, add a tiny splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving.
What to Pair and Serve with Sweetgreen Herbed Quinoa
1. We love scooping this quinoa over a bed of fresh spinach. It feels like a full lunch with almost no work.
2. Sometimes we spoon it into warm pita pockets with hummus. It tastes bright and cozy at the same time.
3. One of our favorite pairings is grilled chicken on top. The lemon and dill bring the whole plate to life.
4. We’ve also served it with roasted salmon. The feta and fresh herbs make the fish taste even better.
5. When we want something simple, we eat it with sliced avocado. The creaminess is so good with the tangy dressing.
6. We tried it once with warm roasted veggies like zucchini and carrots, and now we make that combo all the time.
7. This quinoa makes a great side next to kebabs. The smoky flavor of the meat and the freshness of the salad are perfect together.
8. Sometimes we add chickpeas to make it a full plant based meal. It keeps us full for hours.
9. We like serving it in small bowls alongside soup for a light lunch. It goes really well with anything lemony.
10. And for fun summer meals, we enjoy it with a cold drink like the Olive Garden Peach Bellini Tea Recipe. The bright flavors match surprisingly well.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
I love this quinoa recipe so much. The first time I made it, the lemon and dill smelled so fresh in my kitchen. When I mixed in the veggies and feta, it tasted bright and yummy. It felt light but still filled me up. Now I make it all the time.
Simple Tips
1. Rinse the quinoa so it tastes clean and not bitter.
2. Cook the quinoa in chicken bouillon for more flavor.
3. Add the garlic while the quinoa is hot so it melts in.
4. Let the quinoa cool before adding veggies.
5. Use fresh dill for the best taste.
6. Shake the dressing well so it gets smooth and bright.
FAQs on Sweetgreen Herbed Quinoa Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Sweetgreen Herbed Quinoa Recipe.
1. How do you make herby quinoa?
We cook the quinoa in chicken bouillon first because it adds so much flavor. Then we mix in garlic, lemon, dill, and fresh veggies. The herbs get soft and smell amazing when the warm quinoa hits them.
2. Does Sweetgreen have quinoa?
Yes, Sweetgreen uses quinoa in several bowls. Their bowls inspired us to make this homemade herbed version because it tastes fresh, bright, and super simple.
3. What is the best seasoning for quinoa?
From our experience, lemon, dill, garlic, black pepper, and a little salt work the best. Cooking it in bouillon is the real game changer.
4. What is the best salad dressing for quinoa?
We always make a lemon Dijon dressing with olive oil. It’s tangy, light, and mixes beautifully with the herbs and veggies.
5. Why does my quinoa taste bland?
It usually happens when quinoa is cooked in plain water. Cooking it in bouillon and adding garlic while it steams makes it taste amazing.
6. Can I make this quinoa ahead of time?
Yes, we prep it the night before a busy day. It tastes even better the next day because the herbs and dressing blend together.
7. Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
We’ve tried both. Fresh dill tastes brighter, but dried dill works in a pinch. Just use a smaller amount because it’s stronger.
8. What veggies taste best in this salad?
We love tomatoes, red onion, and green peppers. They add crunch and color. Cucumbers also work great if you want extra freshness.
9. Do I need to let the quinoa cool first?
Yes, we always let it cool so the veggies stay crisp and the feta doesn’t melt.
10. How long does this quinoa salad last?
It stays good for about 3 days in the fridge. Just give it a little stir before eating to wake up the flavors.
For more fresh and health-inspired dishes, be sure to check out our BJ’s Brewhouse Brussel Sprouts Recipe, BJ’s Sriracha Brussel Sprouts Recipe, and our flavorful Fresh Kitchen Creamy White Ginger Sauce Recipe. These bright, veggie-forward sides and sauces pair perfectly with quinoa bowls and other wholesome meals.
This Sweetgreen Herbed Quinoa Recipe is bright, simple, and full of flavor. It tastes clean and fresh, and it always makes a great meal. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl that feels healthy and yummy. If you love it, share it or make it again anytime.
I’d love to hear your thoughts-leave a comment on the blog and let me know How it came out! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube for more delicious updates. Your support truly means everything to me.