If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and nourishing, this Simple Quinoa Salad is about to become your new standby. Imagine fluffy quinoa tossed with cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, and a handful of fresh parsley, all brought to life with a bright, zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, a potluck favorite, or a colorful dinner side, this salad is endlessly satisfying and so easy to make. Whether you’re looking to pack more veggies into your day or you need a dish that everyone at the table can enjoy, you’ll want to make this Simple Quinoa Salad again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient shines. Gathering everything you need for this Simple Quinoa Salad is a breeze, and you’ll love how their distinct flavors and colors come together in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few handy tips for the tastiest results.
- Quinoa: Rinse thoroughly to remove bitterness; it becomes perfectly fluffy and nutty after a gentle simmer.
- Water: Essential for cooking the quinoa; using the right ratio ensures it’s light and fluffy, never mushy.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their pop of color and bright, juicy flavor are the heart of this salad—halve them for the perfect bite.
- Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, diced cucumber adds crunch and a fresh, cooling note.
- Red Onion: Just a little goes a long way; finely chopping tames its bite, offering a zippy contrast to the other ingredients.
- Fresh Parsley: This green herb brings a fragrant lift and lovely color; flat-leaf or curly both work great.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra-virgin olive oil makes the dressing luscious and melds everything together.
- Lemon Juice: For a tangy, lively zing that keeps the salad bright and fresh.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a touch gives the dressing a subtle kick and keeps it emulsified.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste and let the vibrant flavors shine through.
How to Make Simple Quinoa Salad
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Start by combining your rinsed quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to low, cover, and let it simmer away for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the water has been entirely absorbed and the grains are tender but not mushy. Be sure to let it cool completely—you can spread it on a plate to cool faster—so your Simple Quinoa Salad doesn’t steam the veggies.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the quinoa is cooling, get all your veggies ready. Halve the cherry tomatoes for juicy bursts in every forkful, dice the cucumber for a crisp crunch, finely chop the red onion to keep its flavor in check, and roughly chop your parsley for that burst of herbal freshness. Each of these adds layers of texture and color to your Simple Quinoa Salad.
Step 3: Make the Zesty Lemon Dressing
It’s time to blend the flavors that pull this dish together. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and glossy. The mustard helps emulsify the dressing, making it cling to every grain of quinoa and bite of veggie, creating a unified, bright flavor.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with your prepped veggies and parsley. Drizzle the fresh lemon dressing over everything and gently toss until everything is well coated and beautifully mixed. Don’t forget to give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper—sometimes a tiny pinch more really brings the Simple Quinoa Salad to life!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Simple Quinoa Salad can be served right away at room temperature, but I love popping it in the fridge for 20 minutes first if I have time. This little chill lets the flavors mingle, making the salad even more refreshing, especially on a warm day. Serve it in your favorite bowl, and let the colors do all the talking!
How to Serve Simple Quinoa Salad
Garnishes
Brighten up your Simple Quinoa Salad just before serving with a sprinkle of extra parsley or a bit more lemon zest for extra pop. You can also add a modest crumble of feta cheese, some toasted pine nuts, or pomegranate seeds for a gorgeous ruby sparkle. Even a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can take this salad from simple to spectacular.
Side Dishes
This salad is a perfect match for almost anything. Pair it with grilled chicken, salmon, or falafel for a heartier meal, or set it next to a platter of grilled veggies for a colorful vegetarian spread. It’s wonderful alongside pita bread and hummus, making every bite feel like a little feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl by spooning your Simple Quinoa Salad into halved avocados, stuffing it into bell pepper halves, or even piling it onto crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, portable lunch. Individual jars also make for a fun picnic or grab-and-go lunch solution, letting those gorgeous layers shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Simple Quinoa Salad holds up beautifully! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. In fact, the flavors deepen as it sits, making it a fantastic make-ahead lunch or side. Just give it a quick stir before serving in case any dressing has settled at the bottom.
Freezing
Unlike some salads, Simple Quinoa Salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing, since the vegetables can become watery and lose their crispness after thawing. However, you can cook and freeze the quinoa by itself ahead of time, then thaw and toss with the dressing and fresh veggies when you’re ready.
Reheating
There’s really no need to reheat Simple Quinoa Salad, as it tastes best cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warm salad, let it sit out for about 30 minutes after taking it from the fridge, or very gently microwave the quinoa alone (before mixing with the veggies) if you want a warmer base.
FAQs
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Yes, you can definitely swap in other grains like couscous, bulgur, or even farro if you don’t have quinoa on hand. Just follow the cooking instructions for that grain and proceed with the rest of the recipe for your own twist on Simple Quinoa Salad.
Is Simple Quinoa Salad gluten free?
Absolutely! Quinoa is naturally gluten free, making this salad safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure any add-ins or garnishes you use are gluten free as well.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Simple Quinoa Salad is naturally vegan as the recipe is written, since it contains no dairy, eggs, or animal products. If you add cheese or a non-vegan garnish, simply substitute with your favorite plant-based alternative.
Can I make Simple Quinoa Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, letting it sit for an hour or two in the fridge helps the flavors meld even more. Just wait to add any delicate garnishes or extra lemon juice until right before serving for the freshest taste.
What veggies can I add to change things up?
The magic of Simple Quinoa Salad is its versatility! Try adding diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, or even a handful of greens. It’s a great way to use up what’s in your fridge or add more of your personal favorites.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dive into a bowl of this Simple Quinoa Salad. It’s cheerful, easy, and so full of flavor—you’ll keep coming back for more. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or sharing it at a picnic, this one’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
Print
Simple Quinoa Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant quinoa salad packed with colorful veggies and a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for a light meal or side.
Ingredients
Quinoa:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
Veggies:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Combine quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Let cool.
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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