This Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe comes together in just about 20 minutes and is packed with veggies and protein. It can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a side dish and can be prepped ahead of time for easy eating. Whether you’re new to eating quinoa or enjoy it frequently, you will love this easy and delicious quinoa salad recipe.
I’ve been feeling a little lazy in the kitchen lately, so this Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe has been on repeat! It comes together quickly with no cooking (if you already have leftover quinoa), and it’s packed with protein and veggies. Enjoy this quinoa salad for lunch or as a side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Quinoa Salad Recipe!
- It’s easy to make – If you already have leftover quinoa around, you can whip this salad up in just about 15 minutes, including chopping veggies. It’s a great recipe to keep on hand if you’re invited to a last-minute potluck or party.
- It’s versatile – This quinoa salad recipe is great because you can throw in as many veggies as you have on hand. It’s the perfect way to use them up at the end of the week.
- It’s packed with protein – This salad has over 20 grams of protein per serving, so it will leave you feeling nice and full! The quinoa, chickpeas, and feta cheese all add a good amount of protein.
Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
- Quinoa – I like to use quinoa in salads because it adds protein and has a fairly mild taste. It’s similar to rice but with a few extra benefits. You can use white quinoa or tricolored quinoa. For this recipe, you can also buy pre-cooked quinoa at some grocery stores to save on time.
- Chickpeas – Chickpeas help add extra protein to this quinoa salad. You could also use white beans if you prefer.
- Red Pepper – I used a fresh red bell pepper in this salad, but roasted red bell peppers would also work well.
- Cucumber – I like to use English cucumbers because they have thinner skin and smaller seeds, but any cucumber will work.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – I prefer to use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil because they are softer and I like their flavor better, but dried ones work, too.
- Feta Cheese – Feta cheese adds creaminess and saltiness to the recipe. You can use either regular feta or a dairy-free feta substitute.
- Red Onion – I love adding raw red onion to my salads. Any color of onion will work, and you can also add thinly sliced green onion if you like.
- Parsley – Parsley adds some green and freshness to this quinoa salad. You can use another fresh herb of choice if you prefer (cilantro, dill, mint, chives).
- Dressing – This salad is simply dressed using extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper. You’re welcome to use a simple vinaigrette, if you prefer.
How To Make The Best Easy Quinoa Salad
- If not using leftover quinoa, let quinoa cool a bit first before adding it to the salad. Add all of the recipe ingredients to a large bowl. Use a large spoon to mix salad together well and make sure the oil and lemon juice are completely mixed in.
- Give the quinoa salad a taste and add extra salt and pepper, if needed. Salad can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. Enjoy for lunch or as a side dish.
Quinoa Salad Frequently Asked Questions
- Is quinoa gluten-free? Yes, quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain. You can also use rice or another grain of choice if you like.
- Is this quinoa salad vegan? No, I did use real feta cheese in my recipe, but you can easily make it vegan by either omitting the feta cheese or using a dairy-free version.
- How should this recipe be served? You can enjoy this easy quinoa salad as a side dish or a filling vegetarian lunch. Feel free to add extra greens, like spinach or kale to bulk it up a bit.
- Can this side dish be made ahead of time? Yes, this is a great salad to make ahead of time because the flavor just gets better! Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- How long do leftovers last? If stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, quinoa salad should last for about 4-5 days.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will get back to you ASAP.
Looking For More Easy Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes?
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Sweet Potato Quinoa and Veggie Enchilada Bake
One Pot Curry Lentil Quinoa with Sweet Potatoes
BBQ Black Bean and Quinoa Tacos
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Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe comes together in just about 20 minutes and is packed with veggies and protein! It can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner or a side dish and can be prepped ahead of time for easy eating. Whether you’re new to eating quinoa, or enjoy it frequently, you will love this easy and delicious quinoa salad recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small diced cucumber
- 1 large red bell pepper, small diced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, or fresh herb of choice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- If not using leftover quinoa, let quinoa cool a little first before adding it to the salad. Add all of the recipe ingredients to a large bowl. Use a large spoon to mix salad together well and make sure the oil and lemon juice are completely mixed in.
- Give the quinoa salad a taste and add extra salt and pepper, if needed. Salad can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. Enjoy for lunch or as a side dish.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
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