Grilled Shrimp and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
This grilled shrimp and quinoa salad is a light and refreshing dish that's perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. The shrimp is grilled to perfection and the quinoa is cooked to a fluffy texture. The salad is then tossed in a tangy lemon herb vinaigrette that brightens up all the flavors. This salad is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. For example, you can add different vegetables, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, or corn, or you can add different herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
This recipe was inspired by a trip to the Mediterranean coast. I was staying in a small village and had the opportunity to eat at a local restaurant. The chef prepared a grilled shrimp and quinoa salad that was so delicious that I knew I had to recreate it at home. I experimented with different ingredients and proportions until I came up with a recipe that I thought was even better than the original. This salad is now a staple in my summer cooking repertoire.
Grilled Shrimp and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette Grilled Shrimp and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette Grilled Shrimp and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette Grilled Shrimp and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
  1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, quinoa, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  6. Serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • The shrimp is grilled to perfection, which gives it a slightly smoky flavor.
  • The quinoa is cooked to a fluffy texture, which makes it the perfect base for the salad.
  • The lemon herb vinaigrette is tangy and bright, which helps to balance out the flavors of the shrimp and quinoa.
  • The salad is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences.