I've got a new favorite quinoa salad recipe to share with you! I've made quite a few quinoa salads over the years, but this one takes the cake. It's light, crisp, and so tasty.

Quinoa is often called a superfood, and for good reason. It's packed with protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

What I love most about it is how versatile it is. You can mix it with almost any vegetable, fruit, or protein and create a delicious meal.

I often prepare a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. It's great for meal prep because it stays fresh in the fridge for several days. Plus, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to mingle.

While it may seem basic, this salad has become a staple in my kitchen. I hope you'll love it as much as I do! Let me know if you try it.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Quinoa Salad Recipe
• Tips
• The Ingredients
• How to Make Quinoa Salad
• What to Serve With Quinoa Salad
• Substitutions
• FAQs
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Quinoa Salad Recipe

You'll love how quick and easy this salad is to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a nutritious meal ready in no time.

This salad is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have in your fridge.

It's perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday, and you'll have healthy lunches ready for the whole week.

Tips

Rinse your quinoa before cooking. This removes the natural coating called saponin, which can make quinoa taste bitter.

Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients. This prevents the vegetables from wilting and keeps the salad fresh.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. A simple lemon vinaigrette works great, but you can also try balsamic or even a creamy avocado dressing.

The Ingredients

Quinoa

Quinoa is the base of our salad. It's a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa has a slightly nutty flavor and a fluffy texture when cooked.

Cucumber

Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to the salad. It's low in calories and high in water content, making it great for hydration.

Cherry Tomatoes

These little bursts of flavor add color and a touch of sweetness to the salad. They're also packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

Red Onion

Red onion provides a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the mild quinoa. It also adds a nice pop of color.

Feta Cheese

Feta brings a creamy, salty element to the salad. It complements the other flavors perfectly.

How to Make Quinoa Salad

Cook the Quinoa

Rinse quinoa and cook according to package instructions. Let it cool completely.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the quinoa cooks, chop the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely dice the red onion.

Make the Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs in a small bowl.

Combine and Serve

Mix the cooled quinoa with the prepared vegetables in a large bowl. Add the dressing and toss to combine. Crumble feta cheese over the top.

What to Serve With Quinoa Salad

• Slow Roasted Salmon
• Roasted chickpeas
• Crusty bread
• Hummus
• Pita bread

Substitutions

• Use couscous or bulgur wheat instead of quinoa
• Swap feta for goat cheese or leave it out for a vegan version
• Add different vegetables like bell peppers or carrots

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It's perfect for meal prep.

Is quinoa gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free. It's a great option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

📖 Recipe