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Favorite Quinoa Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 60 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing quinoa salad packed with protein-rich chickpeas, crisp cucumber, sweet bell pepper, and fresh parsley, all tossed in a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a healthy side dish, this favorite quinoa salad is simple to prepare and keeps well for several days.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed in a fine-mesh colander
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas
  • 1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • ¾ cup chopped red onion (from 1 small red onion)
  • 1 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley (from 1 large bunch)

Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup lemon juice (from 2 to 3 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa: Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered until the quinoa absorbs all the water, about 15 minutes, adjusting the heat as necessary. Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes to fluff.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: In a large serving bowl, combine the chickpeas, chopped cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Set aside.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and sea salt until blended. Set aside.
  4. Toss the salad: Once the quinoa is mostly cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and toss thoroughly to combine. Season with black pepper to taste and adjust salt if needed. For best flavor, let the salad rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
  5. Storage: Keep the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural bitterness and enhances flavor.
  • Letting the salad rest before serving allows the flavors to meld together.
  • This salad can easily be made vegan, gluten free, and is naturally vegetarian.
  • For added crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds.
  • Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to your taste preferences.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/favorite-quinoa-salad-recipe/