basic quinoa salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best basic quinoa salad recipe

I’ve been making this basic quinoa salad recipe for years, and it’s still a staple in my household. Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber, and when paired with vegetables, it makes for a filling and satisfying meal. I love how versatile this recipe is – it’s perfect for both daily meals and special occasions.

My kids enjoy helping me prepare the ingredients, and they always get excited about the colorful presentation. The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cooking skills.

Simply cook the quinoa, chop up your favorite vegetables, and mix everything together with a simple vinaigrette dressing. You can’t go wrong with this classic combination of flavors and textures. Quinoa salad is a great way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, which can be beneficial for overall health.

I often serve this dish as a side or use it as a main course for a quick weeknight dinner. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – you can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding or subtracting ingredients. One thing that sets this recipe apart is the way it makes you feel – like you’re doing something good for your body.

When I’m short on time, I turn to this quinoa salad as a reliable option that never fails to satisfy my hunger. In fact, my family has grown so fond of this dish that we’ve even started serving it at gatherings and parties. Quinoa salad has become an integral part of our family’s mealtime routine.

Basic Quinoa Salad Recipe

4.7 from 1680 votes

A light and nutritious quinoa salad packed with vegetables and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve.
2This helps to remove any bitterness.
3Transfer the quinoa to a medium saucepan and add 2 cups of water.
4Bring to a boil over high heat.
5Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
6After 15 minutes, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
7Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
8The quinoa is cooked when it is tender and the germ ring is visible.
9While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables.
10Dice the cucumber, bell pepper and chop the red onion finely.
11Halve the cherry tomatoes.
12Place all the vegetables in a large bowl.
13In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
14Whisk until well combined and emulsified.
15Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
16Once the quinoa is cooled, add it to the large bowl with the vegetables.
17Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables.
18Toss gently to combine, ensuring that all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
19Add the crumbled feta cheese to the salad and toss gently to combine.
20Serve the quinoa salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
21The salad is ready to serve when all ingredients are evenly distributed and well coated with the dressing.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan with lid
Large bowl
Small bowl
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 400mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese.

Quinoa salad is the perfect dish for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a large gathering. It can be easily customized with different vegetables, proteins, and dressings to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

I always keep quinoa salad in my meal plan because it is versatile, nutritious and delicious. I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When ready to serve again, you can toss the chilled salad with more dressing. It is always a good idea to keep quinoa salad in your regular cooking schedule.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Quinoa Salad

Q1: What is quinoa?

Quinoa is an ancient grain native to South America, rich in protein, fiber, and various minerals.

Q2: How do I cook quinoa?

Cook quinoa according to package instructions; typically, it requires rinsing, boiling in water or broth, then draining excess liquid.

Q3: What are some good vegetables to add to my quinoa salad?

Choose from an array of colorful vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell peppers, carrots, spinach leaves.

Q4: Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes; simply substitute traditional vinaigrette dressing with a vegan alternative or make your own by mixing olive oil with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Q5: How do I store leftover quinoa salad?

Refrigerate the mixture within two hours of preparation; consume within three days.

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