Quinoa Salad
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.
Save it to your Recipe Box
Copy this one onto a 4x6 card. Title across the top, the 11 ingredients down the left, the 8 steps down the right, and Serves 6, Prep 15, Cook 15 along the header. File it behind the Salads divider. Built to outlast the screenshot.
Get the Recipe Box
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.
More salad recipes
Keep the ones that work
When a recipe earns a repeat, it deserves a card. The Albino Monkey Recipe Box keeps your handwritten favorites on real wooden dividers, Salads through Favorites.
See the Recipe Box