Name: Favorite Quinoa Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed in a fine-mesh colander; 2 cups water; 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas; 1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped; 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped; ¾ cup chopped red onion (from 1 small red onion); 1 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley (from 1 large bunch); ¼ cup olive oil; ¼ cup lemon juice (from 2 to 3 lemons); 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant and wholesome dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors, you’ll definitely want to try my Favorite Quinoa Salad. This isn’t just a simple side—it’s a cheerful, colorful medley of crisp vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and fluffy quinoa, all brought together with a zesty, garlicky lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s the kind of salad that turns ordinary days into little celebrations and adds a nourishing touch to gatherings or busy midweek lunches. Trust me, you’ll find yourself coming back to this bowl again and again.

Favorite Quinoa Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something so delicious and satisfying. Each one brings a unique touch to the overall flavor, texture, and look of this Favorite Quinoa Salad, making every bite a joy.

Quinoa: This nutty, gluten-free grain forms the hearty base of the salad, packing in protein and satisfying texture.
Water: Just enough to cook the quinoa perfectly–be sure to use the right amount for fluffy results.
Chickpeas: These add a creamy, earthy element and lots of protein, helping the salad feel extra hearty.
Cucumber: For a pop of cool, crisp freshness and a juicy crunch in every bite.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and vibrant, this brings both color and a subtle sharpness that lifts the salad.
Red onion: Adds a gentle pungency and a little bite, perfectly balancing out the other flavors.
Parsley: Bright, grassy, and fresh, parsley turns this salad into something truly lively.
Olive oil: Helps tie everything together with a rich, silky finish in the dressing.
Lemon juice: This brings a tangy, citrusy brightness that’s absolutely essential to the dressing.
Red wine vinegar: Adds a subtle punch and elevates the other flavors in the salad.
Garlic: For a little savory kick and depth in the dressing—don’t skip it!
Fine sea salt: Just the right seasoning makes all the difference—taste as you go.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds warmth and a tiny bit of heat—season to your own liking!

How to Make Favorite Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Quinoa

Start by combining your rinsed quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring it up to a boil over medium-high heat, then drop the heat so you’re at a gentle simmer. Let the quinoa cook, uncovered, until every drop of water has been absorbed—this usually takes about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the pot and adjust the heat as necessary so it keeps gently simmering. When it’s done, cover the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step transforms the quinoa, making it wonderfully fluffy and light—exactly what your Favorite Quinoa Salad needs as its base.

Step 2: Prep and Combine the Veggies

While the quinoa is cooling, chop up your cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley, aiming for even and fine pieces so every bite is balanced. In a large serving bowl, toss together the chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and parsley. This vibrant veggie mix is the colorful, crunchy backbone of the salad, turning it into a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, pour in the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and sea salt. Whisk until everything is beautifully blended and emulsified. This dressing is lively and tangy, with just the right amount of zing to bring out the best in each ingredient—truly what sets the Favorite Quinoa Salad apart!

Step 4: Toss and Season

Once the quinoa is mostly cool, fluff it gently with a fork and add it straight to the bowl of veggies and chickpeas. Drizzle your vibrant dressing over the top, then toss everything together until the salad is thoroughly combined. Grab a fork and taste for seasoning—you may want to add extra black pepper or a pinch of salt to suit your taste. I always let my salad sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This quick rest lets the flavors mingle and deepen, making each forkful more delicious than the last.

Step 5: Chill or Serve at Room Temperature

This Favorite Quinoa Salad is delicious cold or at room temperature. You can serve it up immediately or pop it in the fridge—either way, the flavors will have you coming back for seconds.

How to Serve Favorite Quinoa Salad

Garnishes

If you want your Favorite Quinoa Salad to look as good as it tastes, try sprinkling extra chopped parsley, a crumble of feta cheese, or a handful of toasted seeds on top just before serving. A little zest of lemon can also brighten each bite and make the whole dish pop visually.

Side Dishes

This salad is perfectly satisfying on its own, but it shines alongside grilled chicken or fish, warm pita bread, or a bowl of lentil soup. It’s also a star at picnics and potlucks, playing well with whatever dishes your friends bring along.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Favorite Quinoa Salad in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held lunch, or layer it in mason jars for a meal-prep solution that’s as adorable as it is tasty. For gatherings, try mounding it on a big platter and garnishing with edible flowers or extra herbs for a striking presentation everyone will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Favorite Quinoa Salad holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container; it’ll stay fresh for about four days. The flavors intensify after a day, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better tomorrow!

Freezing

While the salad contains ingredients that typically don’t love the freezer (like cucumbers and fresh herbs), you can portion out the cooked quinoa and chickpeas ahead of time and freeze those components. When you’re ready, simply thaw and toss with the fresh veggies and dressing for a quick salad.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat this salad—it shines served cold or at room temperature! If you prefer it just slightly warm, let it sit out for a bit before serving, or gently bring it to room temperature. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the veggies mushy.

FAQs

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?

Absolutely! While quinoa gives the Favorite Quinoa Salad its signature nuttiness and protein punch, you can swap in farro, bulgur, or even brown rice for a different texture. Just don’t forget to adjust the cooking time for your chosen grain.

How do I keep the veggies extra crisp?

For maximum crunch, chop the vegetables right before serving and keep them chilled until it’s time to toss everything together. You can also briefly soak chopped onion in cold water to mellow its flavor without losing texture.

Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! The basic recipe for Favorite Quinoa Salad is both vegan and gluten-free naturally, so it’s a crowd-pleaser for nearly every dietary need. Just double-check your ingredients if you plan to add any garnishes.

Can I add extras like cheese or nuts?

Definitely! Favorite Quinoa Salad is endlessly customizable. Try adding crumbled feta, goat cheese, toasted pine nuts, or sliced almonds for extra flavor and texture. Fresh mint or dill as garnishes are also delicious twists.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can easily make this salad up to a day ahead—the flavors only get better as they mingle. If prepping more than 24 hours ahead, consider adding the cucumbers and parsley just before serving to keep them at their freshest.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to brighten your table and delight your taste buds, give this Favorite Quinoa Salad a try. It’s an easy, wholesome dish that’s big on flavor and even better when shared. I can’t wait for you to discover just how delicious and versatile this salad can be—you might just find it becomes your new go-to, too!

Favorite Quinoa Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Favorite Quinoa Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish packed with protein and fresh vegetables, tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner.

Instructions

Cook the quinoa: Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer until water is absorbed. Let it rest.
Prepare the salad: Combine chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and parsley in a bowl.
Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, and salt.
Combine and season: Add quinoa to the salad bowl, drizzle with dressing, toss, and season with pepper and salt.
Rest and serve: Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.