Veggie Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad is a fresh take on standard salads. If you’ve ever eaten a salad and still felt unsatisfied, then this recipe is for you. Quinoa is a superfood that is super filling and satisfying. With fresh produce like bell peppers, onions and tomatoes, this easy quinoa salad is colorful, flavourful and so nutritious!

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Quinoa Salad Recipe

Easy – simply cook quinoa (roughly 15 minutes), make your dressing and toss everything together.
Healthy – this quinoa veggie salad recipe is packed with healthy fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Quinoa is rich in protein, fiber and various vitamins and minerals! So don’t feel bad about having seconds with this one!
Versatile – quinoa can taste however you like. Season it according to your taste buds and add or omit ingredients based on your dietary needs and personal taste.

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a seed, not a grain. It is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, mineral-rich, high in fibre and extremely easy to cook! Quinoa acts as a whole grain even though it comes from a tall, green, weed-like plant.

What is Quinoa Salad?

There are three elements of quinoa salad: quinoa, salad dressing and the other ingredients (typically herbs and vegetables).

What’s Needed to Make This Recipe (Kitchen Tools and Equipment)

Medium Pot – to cook the quinoa in.
Small Mixing Bowl – use this to combine all the ingredients for the herb and olive oil dressing.
Large Bowl – use this to contain and serve the quinoa salad.

Quinoa Salad Ingredients and Ingredient Notes

Quinoa

Uncooked Quinoa – comes in different varieties but any will do (i.e. white/golden black or red quinoa)
Water – to cook the quinoa in.
Salt – this enhances the overall flavour. Add to taste.

Herb & Olive Oil Dressing

Olive Oil – the base of the salad dressing.
Honey – this adds sweetness and some body.
Lemon Juice – for a bright citrus twist.
Fresh Herbs – I use parsley and basil.
Seasoning – I season with oregano and garlic powder.

Herb & Vegetable Quinoa Salad

Cooked Quinoa – wait until it is completely cooled.
Bell Peppers – finely diced green bell pepper and red bell pepper add color and crunch.
Red Onion – finely diced.
Cucumber – finely diced.
Cherry Tomatoes – halved.

How to Make Quinoa Salad

How to Cook Quinoa for Salad

Rinse quinoa well, and drain. Add rinsed quinoa to a medium pot, with salt and warm water – bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water has been absorbed, remove it from heat, cover and let stand. Fluff & allow to cool before moving adding dressing.

Prepare Herb & Olive Oil Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients together except olive oil. Gradually whisk in the olive oil 1 tablespoon at a time until well combined and an emulsion occurs. Taste and adjust quantities as desired.

Allow it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes in order to allow the flavours to infuse. Store the dressing in the refrigerator; bring it to room temperature and stir before serving.

Assemble Vegetable Quinoa Salad

Prepare vegetables, dice finely and then set them aside. Add quinoa to a large serving bowl then add vegetables to the bowl. Gradually drizzle dressing, and stir until well incorporated. Finally, serve and enjoy!

Recipe Substitutions and Tips

Mexican Quinoa Salad – add lime juice, black beans, avocado and taco seasoning.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad – try quinoa with feta cheese and kalamata olives.
Protein – want to make this even more filling? Try adding baked tofu or grilled chicken.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Wondering what pairs well with quinoa salad?

Burgers – try it with Jerk Burgers with Pineapple Mango Salsa.
Steak – for a perfect low-carb meal try Cajun Butter Steak Bites and Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
Pork – quinoa salad would taste amazing with spicy, savoury Jamaican Jerk Pork.

Recipe Notes and Tips for the Best Quinoa Salad

Always Rinse Quinoa – this removes that bitter, “soapy” taste quinoa can have caused by naturally occurring saponins.
The Ratio – use twice as much water or stock as quinoa, 2:1 ratio. If you use 1 cup of quinoa, use 2 cups of water or stock.
How to – Cook uncovered until your quinoa has absorbed all the water/stock, remove from heat and cover for a few more minutes (this allows the quinoa to steam) until the quinoa pops and appears fluffy!
Give Time – after combining all the ingredients for the dressing, give around 15 to 30 minutes for the flavours to infuse and meld before pouring over the salad.

Can I Make this Ahead of Time?

Yes. Quinoa salad is great for meal prep because it stores well in the refrigerator.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover quinoa salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you have leftover dressing that was not added to the salad, store it separately in a mason jar in the fridge for up to one week.

Reheating Instructions

Enjoy cold quinoa salad straight out of the fridge. Or allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to get rid of the chill.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is quinoa gluten-free?

Yes. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free.

Can you freeze quinoa salad with veggies?

Although quinoa can be frozen on its own, I do not recommend freezing quinoa salad with vegetables. However, you can freeze the quinoa for up to 3 months and thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then you can make a fresh salad.

What is a quinoa salad made of?

This quinoa salad recipe contains cooked quinoa, red peppers, green peppers, red onion, cucumber and cherry tomatoes.