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Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Salad | Healthy, Fresh & Protein-Packed Recipe

This Quinoa Salad combines fluffy quinoa with crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, chickpeas, feta cheese, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. It's nutritious, colorful, and perfect for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, or a light and satisfying lunch.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • ½ red onion finely diced
  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint optional
Lemon Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Saucepan Cook the quinoa
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl Combine the salad
  • 1 Small Bowl Whisk the dressing
  • 1 Chef's Knife Chop vegetables
  • 1 Measuring Cups & Spoons Accurate measuring

Method
 

  1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.Remove from the heat and let the quinoa cool completely.In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, chickpeas, feta, parsley, and mint.Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.Garnish with extra parsley and feta if desired.

Notes

  • Rinse quinoa well to remove bitterness.
  • Cook quinoa in vegetable broth for extra flavor.
  • Add avocado just before serving if desired.
  • Great for meal prep and lunches.
  • Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing with the vegetables to keep the salad crisp and fresh.