A delicious Quinoa Salad recipe with Mediterranean inspired flavors - tomatoes, peppers, red onion and fresh basil along with the cooked quinoa are combined with a fresh and zingy lemon vinaigrette for a light and fresh salad.
Summer is all about fresh ingredients and outdoor meals for us, that's why this Quinoa Salad is perfect for the hot days that are still ahead! It uses just a few ingredients to transform plain quinoa into a delicious side dish (or main meal if you want to add protein like grilled chicken) and although we make this more in the summertime, you can definitely enjoy it on cooler days as well.
You can customize the salad to your tastes too, so if you prefer zucchini over cucumber or cherry tomatoes over peppers, feel free to throw em in.
The dressing is just as simple as the salad itself, and can be used on a variety of green salads as well! So grab your ingredients and pack your picnic bag, it's time to make this yummy Mediterranean inspired Quinoa Salad.
Frequently asked questions
If you have a question that isn't answered below please leave a comment or email us so we can answer it for you!
How long does quinoa salad last
We love to prepare ingredients for the salad ahead of time and keep it undressed in the fridge, generally this can be for up to 4 days. If yours is already dressed with the vinaigrette you will want to use it within 24 hours so it doesn't get too soggy.
How to prepare quinoa salad
This salad is so easy to prepare - simply boil and cook the quinoa while you chop your vegetables and basil. Once finished allow the quinoa to cool until it is no longer hot and you can add the chopped veggies. Top with dressing about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
How to season quinoa salad
Quinoa will absorb any flavor you cook it with so we prefer to cook ours in vegetable broth rather than water alone. This ensures a flavorful bite each time. Think of it like pasta - you would never eat pasta that hasn't been cooked in salted water right? It would just be too bland without that injection of flavor!
Once the quinoa has been cooked and cooled it is always nice to add in a fresh herb along with the vegetables to really amp up the taste.
Be sure to PIN THIS QUINOA SALAD so you have it for later!
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Easy Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed under cold water
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ½ large cucumber, diced
- 1 large red pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil (or parsley) rough chopped
- salt to taste
- ¼ cup extra virgin vegetable oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (concentrated will do in a pinch)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¾ tablespoon sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- pinch of Kosher salt
Instructions
- Place medium pot over medium heat for about 2 minutes to warm, add in quinoa and allow to cook for 1 minute.
- Add in water and vegetable broth with a pinch of salt and allow to come to a boil
- Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer until liquid is absorped (about 12 minutes). Remove from heat and place in serving bowl - put in fridge to chill.
- While quinoa is chilling, mix together vegetable oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar and garlic in a small bowl. Whisk to fully combine and create a dressing. Add salt to taste.
- Once quinoa is cooled add in cucumber, red pepper, red onion and basil - mix to combine.
- Pour half of the dressing over salad and mix thoroughly so everything is coated.
- Pour remainder of dressing over the salad before serving!
Notes
The quinoa can be made a day in advance so all you have to do day of is assemble!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
½ cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 140Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 295mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g
*Please note that nutritional values are not always 100% accurate and are to be used as a guide.
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I do love quinoa but often forget that it can be served cold, thanks for sharing this refreshing salad recipe:-)
It is always nice to have a variety of recipes for such a yummy superfood!
That salad looks like it has great texture. I have a friend that loves quinoa, I bet she would love to try this salad.
Thanks Valerie, the fresh veggies add a nice crunch to the soft quinoa.
I really like quinoa and this salad sounds wonderful bursting with fresh flavor and lemon is a favorite flavor used in this dressing!
It is very refreshing, and the dressing can be used on so many other salads too!!
I just love cooking with quinoa. That nutty flavour is so delicious, not to mention how healthy it is to. The perfect meat replacement....and this salad sounds nice and hearty too. Great for lunch or dinner.
Thanks Gloria!! I too love quinoa, it is probably one of my favorite superfoods!
Your salad is filled with some of my favorite ingredients and Quinoa is one of my favorite grains, unfortunately I forgot to wash it once and had a very bad reaction. Washing it before cooking is a very important step.
Ohhh no! Yes we always wash/rinse any grain we cook, it is so important! Hopefully that didn't deter you from trying it again though 🙂
Quinoa is such a healthy alternative to eating rice.I think salad such a refreshing way to eat quinoa. This lemon vinaigrette sounds delicious. Saving for later.
Thanks so much Veena!! We try to substitute different grains and seeds for rice often, it is nice to change it up!
I'll take any excuse to use quinoa, and this looks like as good as any!! I love this idea, so yummy!
Thanks Kylee, I am the same! Any reason to eat quinoa has me smiling!
I love a good quinoa salad! My go-to is kale and quinoa salad, but maybe I will give this one a go!
Mmm yes we love kale too!!! When we do our kale and quinoa salads we often do the quinoa crunchy (puffed) so it adds to the texture!
We use lots of quinoa. In fact, we buy it in the huge bags so we don't run out. The nutty flavor is perfect in salads. I love the touch of lemon that you give your salad. Perfect for a light summer meal.
Yes Marisa we do as well, you can never have enough of it!! <3
I love quinoa salad, so easy to prepare and delicious with all the fresh vegetables and herbs.
It is so easy to customize to your tastes as well, we love it!
I can't have too many salads! Summer is sooo hot, I don't want to eat anything that's full of heat ... so it's a lot of cold salads on our table. This looks light and filling!
I am with you on that Noel, nothing worse than heating the house with the oven on when it is so humid!
Ahhh I love quinoa! This salad sounds so easy and light for summer meals. It's perfect to pack away for a picnic!
Oh this would be perfect for a backyard cook out or picnic!
I love the sound of the vinaigrette.
It is great for get togethers, easy to make and it makes a ton!
I like this kind simple salad with vinaigrette, which is best for busy days and weekend. Quinoa is always good in salad.
It is great for that, especially because you can make it ahead of time!
I never really thought about adding quinoa to a cold salad but what a great idea! Lovely flavor combination and the lemon vinaigrette really helps pull this together into the perfect light meal.
Oh it is wonderful as a cold salad, I hope you give it a try Heather!!!