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Home / Recipes / Salads / Quinoa Salad
Salads
Quinoa Salad
This healthy quinoa salad is a make-ahead favorite, loaded with crunchy vegetables, chickpeas, and a bright lemon dressing. Quinoa brings protein and a satisfying chew, and the salad holds up for days in the fridge, so it is ideal for meal prep. Serve it cold or at room temperature as a light lunch or a side.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
- Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill for 20 minutes before serving, or serve at room temperature.
Tips and variations
- Rinse the quinoa well before cooking to wash off its natural coating and avoid any bitterness.
- Cook the quinoa ahead and chill it so the salad comes together fast on a busy day.
- This salad keeps well for up to 4 days, making it a strong choice for weekly meal prep.
- Add crumbled feta or toasted nuts for extra richness and crunch.
Common questions
- How long does quinoa salad keep
- Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it keeps for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a few hours.
- Why rinse quinoa first
- Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that can taste bitter. A quick rinse under cold water removes it.
- Can I serve it warm
- Yes. It is good warm, at room temperature, or chilled, which makes it flexible for any meal.
- How do I make it a full meal
- Stir in extra chickpeas, grilled chicken, or feta to boost the protein and turn it into a main course.
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