Quinoa Salad

Name: Quinoa Salad (Healthy & Fresh)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked quinoa; 2 Persian/Lebanese cucumbers; 2 roma tomatoes; ½ small red onion; ½ large avocado; 10 kalamata olives; Handful fresh mint leaves; ½ lemon; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; Salt and black pepper to taste

BY Ayeh Manfre · UPDATED: Apr 8, 25 · PUBLISHED: Nov 8, 22 · 56 Comments

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This healthy Quinoa Salad is colourful, fresh and filling as it’s packed with protein and fibre. Made with bite size ingredients so you can enjoy all the flavors with a spoon. It's also vegan, gluten free and dairy free.

Quinoa salad in a bowl with wooden spoons

I’ve had this Quinoa Salad the last 5 days in a row, so it’s about time I share it with you! It’s one of those salads that make you want more with each delicious spoonful. Yep before you’ve guessed, it's another salad with a spoon that you all know I love ☺️. Its colorful, fresh and quite filling as it's packed with protein and fiber. To make the perfect fluffy quinoa for the base, check out my easy quinoa recipe.

I love having meals prepped in advance so that it’s ready to eat on busy days when I don’t have time to cook. This quinoa salad can be made in bulk for meal prep as it keeps well in the fridge for a few days and doesn't go soggy. You can enjoy it on its own or add more protein such as chickpeas, salmon bites on the side or grilled chicken.

This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free, so everyone can enjoy it! Its also super customizable depending on what veggies or goodies you have on hand.

Table of Contents

Recipe Highlights
Ingredients and Substitutions
How to make Quinoa Salad
Tips and Tricks
Storage Instructions
FAQs
More Quinoa Recipes
More Chopped Salads
Recipe
Comments

Recipe Highlights

Healthy: Loaded with plant-based protein, fiber and good fats for a nutritious meal
Quick & Easy: Ready in no time with simple steps, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute meals
Versatile: Works great as a salad meal, side, for picnics or using up leftovers in your fridge

Ingredients and Substitutions

Quinoa I love using tri color quinoa for its texture and pop of color, but you can use white, red or black quinoa
Cucumbers, Persian or Lebanese are my preference as they’re full of flavor and have less water, however any cucumbers will work
Roma tomatoes are my favourite to use. Cherry tomatoes also work great and will add a sweet pop of flavor
Red onions brings a nice sweetness and depth of flavor. Swap with shallots or spring onions for a milder taste
Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats
Kalamata olives bring a nice salty bite. You can swap for black or green olives for a softer alternative
Mint leaves add freshness. Fresh parsley or basil can also be used

Dressing

Extra virgin olive oil is always my preferred oil especially for salads
Lemon or lime juice adds a fresh, zesty kick that lifts and balances the flavors
Balsamic vinegar adds a subtle and sweet flavor. Swap with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar

How to make Quinoa Salad

Here are my simple steps for making this fresh, vibrant Quinoa Salad. It comes together quickly and is perfect for a light meal or as a side. Follow my easy steps below (note quantities are listed in the recipe card below)

Step 1: Cook quinoa, then let it cool - full recipe here

Chopped ingredients on a cutting board with avocado and quinoa

Step 2: Dice cucumber, tomato, red onion, and avocado. Chop olives

Step 3: Optional - soak onion in water for 10 mins to mellow flavor

Prepared ingredients in a bowl before dressing added

Step 4: Add everything in a large bowl with the quinoa and roughly chopped mint

Step 5: Whisk dressing ingredients in a small bowl

Dressing added to salad bowl and being mixed with a wooden spoon

Step 6: Mix dressing through the salad and serve. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Cook the quinoa first and let it cool completely before mixing in the salad - this way you avoid a warm salad and keep the vegetables crisp
Use a ripe avocado that isn't too soft as it can become mushy in the salad
Meal prep, if you’re making a big batch, keep the quinoa salad dressing separate to prevent the veggies from getting soft and losing their crunch. Store the components individually and toss everything together just before serving for the best texture and flavor
Only add the avocado on the day of eating so it keeps and won't brown or becomes mushy

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days
If not eating the same day, store the dressing separately and add it on the day of serving to keep everything fresh and crisp
Avoid freezing, this salad is best enjoyed fresh

Bowl of quinoa salad with fresh mint and lemon wedge on the side

FAQs

How healthy is quinoa salad?

Quinoa salad is healthy, especially when made with whole and fresh ingredients. Quinoa is packed with protein and fiber, making it filling and nutritious. This recipe is balanced with vegetables, healthy fats and a light dressing that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free

Can I add more protein?

Of course, chickpeas are a great option, or you can add grilled chicken or crispy tofu

What dressing do you put on quinoa salad?

This recipe uses a simple dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and balsamic vinegar

Quinoa salad with a wooden spoon in a bowl

More Quinoa Recipes

More Chopped Salads

I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your Quinoa Salad photo on Instagram so I can share the love!

Recipe

More Salads

Comments

4.69 from 51 votes (26 ratings without comment)