Healthy Quinoa Salad Recipe (Fresh & Vibrant)
Looking for a light, nutritious, and colorful meal? This Healthy Quinoa Salad is packed with protein-rich quinoa, fresh vegetables, and chickpeas, all tossed in a tangy lemon dressing. It’s perfect for lunch, a side dish, or meal prep, and it’s easy to make in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients for Healthy Quinoa Salad (Serves 4)
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions to Make Healthy Quinoa Salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
- Cook the quinoa: In a medium pot, combine quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
- Prepare the vegetables: While quinoa cooks, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add chickpeas and herbs: Add chickpeas and chopped parsley to the vegetables.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Toss salad: Add cooled quinoa to the vegetables and chickpeas. Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for enhanced flavors. Pair with Quick Veggie Stir-Fry or Easy Chicken Pasta for a complete meal.
Tips, Variations & Storage for Healthy Quinoa Salad
- Add feta cheese or avocado for extra creaminess.
- Use cooked farro or couscous instead of quinoa for a different texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Sprinkle seeds or nuts like pumpkin or sunflower for extra crunch.
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For more ideas, check out this helpful guide on BBC Good Food Quinoa Salad Recipes.
