This quinoa salad is one of my absolute favorites! Bursting with fresh vegetables, texture, and amazing flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The homemade dressing we use makes every bite irresistible. Even people who aren’t usually fans of quinoa have raved about this recipe. It’s easy to understand why—this salad is full of different textures and flavors, making it hard to resist!
Our dressing includes honey, but if you want to make it vegan, you can easily substitute maple syrup for the honey. That’s all you need to make this a vegan-friendly quinoa salad.
Main Ingredients
What makes this quinoa salad stand out is the variety of ingredients we pack in. There’s a vibrant mix of veggies, crunchy nuts and seeds, sweet dried fruit, and protein-packed chickpeas.
- Quinoa: Start with perfectly cooked quinoa. Always rinse it before cooking to remove any bitterness. The ideal ratio is 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water or broth.
- Vegetables: Crisp cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion add freshness and color. You can also use other crunchy or roasted vegetables of your choice.
- Nuts and Seeds: Pine nuts and pepitas bring buttery crunch but feel free to swap them with walnuts, pistachios, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
- Dried Fruit: Dried blueberries are pictured, but cranberries or raisins work great. Toss in fresh seasonal fruit like berries if available.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro give the salad a burst of freshness and color.
- Chickpeas: Chickpeas make the salad heartier. Use canned or home-cooked chickpeas.
- Feta Cheese (optional): For a creamy, salty touch, add crumbled feta.
How to Make Quinoa Salad
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Cook the Quinoa
First, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove the saponin (which can make it taste bitter). Combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool. -
Prep the Vegetables
While the quinoa cooks, dice 1 cucumber, 1 bell pepper, and ¼ cup of red onion. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and chop fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. -
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa with the diced vegetables, herbs, and ½ cup of feta cheese (if using). -
Dress the Salad
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon over the salad. Toss everything together to ensure an even coating. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Serve
Your quinoa salad is now ready! Serve it as a light meal or as a side dish. You can also pair it with grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein.
Storing Quinoa Salad
Store this quinoa salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. The salad may wilt a little after 3 days, but it will still taste great! Freezing the salad isn’t recommended, but if you’re interested in freezing quinoa, check out our guide to cooking and freezing quinoa.
Ingredients List:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
Why Quinoa Salad is Great for You
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s also rich in fiber, iron, and magnesium, making this salad not only tasty but great for your body. It’s a perfect dish for fitness enthusiasts who want to fuel their workouts with wholesome ingredients.
At Hello Fitness Magazine, we are dedicated to promoting a healthier lifestyle. From easy recipes like quinoa salad to in-depth fitness guides, we help you achieve your wellness goals. Stay updated on the latest tips and tricks by subscribing to our newsletter.
FAQs
1. Can I make quinoa salad ahead of time?
Yes! Quinoa salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Can I substitute quinoa with another grain?
You can use couscous, bulgur, or even rice, but quinoa is the most nutritious option.
3. Is quinoa gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance.
4. Can I add protein to the salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas are excellent additions.
5. How can I store leftover quinoa salad?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
