Best Quinoa Salad Recipe

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5 from 1 vote

Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, quinoa offers a wide range of health benefits.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword Best Quinoa Salad, Quinoa Salad, Salad

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings People

Calories 271kcal

Equipment

1 Salad bowl

Ingredients

Quinoa: Opt for white, red, or black quinoa, depending on your preference. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.
Fresh vegetables: Cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, and avocados are perfect additions for a crunchy and colorful salad.
Fresh herbs: Add a burst of flavor with herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint. These herbs not only enhance the taste but also provide additional health benefits.
Dressing ingredients: Prepare a tangy dressing using fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. This dressing complements the flavors of the salad perfectly.
Optional add-ons: Customize your quinoa salad with additional ingredients such as feta cheese, olives, roasted nuts, or dried fruits. These add-ons can elevate the taste and texture of your salad.

Instructions

Cook the quinoa: In a saucepan, add 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
Prep the vegetables: Wash and dice the cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, and avocados. Finely chop the fresh herbs.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa, diced vegetables, fresh herbs, and optional add-ons. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
Let it chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve and enjoy: After chilling, give the salad a final toss and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve chilled and savor the delightful flavors of the best quinoa salad.

Notes

Tips for storing and meal prepping quinoa salad

Quinoa salad is an excellent option for meal prepping, as it can be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. Here are some tips for storing and meal prepping your quinoa salad:

Store in an airtight container: Transfer the quinoa salad to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from seeping in.
Keep refrigerated: Store the salad in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It can typically be stored for up to 3-4 days.
Dressing on the side: If you plan to store the salad for an extended period or prefer to add dressing just before serving, keep the dressing separate and drizzle it over the salad when ready to eat.
Add fresh ingredients later: If you're planning to meal prep for the week, consider adding delicate ingredients like avocados or fresh herbs just before serving. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming mushy.
Portion control: Divide the quinoa salad into individual meal-sized portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners. This will save you time during busy weekdays.

By following these storage and meal prepping tips, you can enjoy the best quinoa salad throughout the week without compromising on taste or quality.

Nutrition