Description
Discover the vibrant Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe that perfectly combines nutrition and flavor, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. This refreshing salad features protein-packed quinoa and chickpeas, tossed with a medley of crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a potluck favorite, this salad is quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes! The best part? It’s easily customizable; you can add your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your taste. Enjoy it fresh or let it sit for a while to enhance the flavors even further. This Easy Quinoa Salad is not just wholesome; it’s also deliciously satisfying!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup raw quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces), rinsed and drained, or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas
- 1 medium cucumber, deseeded and diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 3/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer. This helps eliminate any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork when done.
- While the quinoa cooks, prepare your vegetables. Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into small pieces. Chop the red onion finely and roughly chop the parsley. Set these aside in a mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple vinegar, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl with your chopped vegetables. Pour in the dressing and gently mix everything together until evenly coated.
- Taste your salad and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour before serving to let flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg