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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Quinoa Salad

    BY Ayeh Manfre · UPDATED: Apr 8, 25 · PUBLISHED: Nov 8, 22 · 54 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    This Quinoa Salad is colourful, fresh and super filling as it’s packed with protein and fibre. It's also vegan, gluten free and dairy free.

    I’ve had this Quinoa Salad the last five 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 🙂

    It’s a combination of my 3 favourite salads recipes put into one which are my Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, Shirazi Salad and my Chickpea Avocado Salad.

    This quinoa salad is so colourful, fresh and super filling as it’s packed with protein and fibre.

    It's also vegan, gluten free and dairy free too so everyone can enjoy it.

    I love having meals prepped in advance so that it’s ready to eat on busy days when you 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.

    Table of Contents
    • Ingredients and Substitutions 
    • How to make Quinoa Salad
    • Tips to make Quinoa Salad Recipe
    • More Chopped Salads
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Ingredients and Substitutions 

    • Quinoa I love using Tri Colour Quinoa for its pop of colours but you can also use white, red or black quinoa
    • Persian or Lebanese Cucumbers are my preference as they’re full of flavour and have less water, however standard cucumbers can also work
    • Roma tomatoes are my favourite tomatoes to use. Cherry tomatoes also work great
    • Red onions give a nice sweetness, shallots or spring onions can also be used 
    • Avocado gives a lovely creaminess 
    • Kalamata Olives are my preferred olives as they have a nice salty taste and adds great flavour to the salad 
    • Mint leaves add a nice freshness, parsley can also be used
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil is always my preferred oil especially for salads 
    • Lemon or lime juice is added for its zesty acidity 
    • Balsamic Vinegar is subtle and sweet. Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can also be substituted 

    How to make Quinoa Salad

    1. Cook the quinoa and allow it to cool down. Here is my recipe on how to cook Quinoa
    2. Dice cucumbers, tomato, red onion and avocado into small cubes. Dice kalamata olives and into small pieces. Then add all to a salad bowl.

      Once Quinoa has cooled, add to the bowl and top with freshly chopped mint leaves
    3. Squeeze in some lemon, add extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Mix together and enjoy!

    Tips to make Quinoa Salad Recipe

    1. Cook the quinoa first and allow it to cool so it doesn't make the salad warm or ruin the vegetables from its heat
    2. I soak the onion in a bowl of water while I prep the rest of the salad to remove the harsh onion flavour
    3. Make sure to use a ripe avocado that isn't too soft as it can become mushy in the salad
    4. If making this salad in bulk for meal prep, I'd suggest not dressing the salad as it can get soft and will lose its crunch. I also recommend not tossing all the ingredients together until you are ready to serve
    5. Add the avocado on the day of eating so it keeps and won't brown or becomes mushy 

    More Chopped Salads

    • Quinoa Tabbouleh
    • Jennifer Aniston Salad
    • Asian Chopped Salad
    • Farro Salad
    • Chopped Greek Salad
    • Chickpea Avocado Salad
    • La Scala Chopped Salad
    • Orzo Salad
    • Edamame Salad

    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

    Quinoa salad served in a bowl with mixing spoons

    Quinoa Salad

    4.68 from 50 votes
    This Quinoa Salad is colourful, fresh and super filling as it’s packed with protein and fibre. It's also vegan, gluten free and dairy free.
    Author: Ayeh Manfre
    Course: lunch, Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine: American, australian, Mediterranean
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 398kcal
    Print
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time25 minutes mins

    Video

    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

    Dressing

    • ½ lemon
    • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • sea salt and ground black pepper

    Instructions

    • Cook the quinoa and allow it to cool down. Here is my recipe on how to cook Quinoa
    • Dice the cucumbers, tomato, red onion and avocado into small cubes. 
      Dice kalamata olives and into small pieces. Add all to a salad bowl.
    • Add the quinoa and top with freshly chopped mint leaves to the bowl 
    • Pour over the dressing and lemon juice, mix together and enjoy!
    ⭐️ Final Step! Would love if you left a rating and comment to let me know how it went. Your feedback helps inspire others and means alot ❤️

    Nutrition

    Calories: 398kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Sodium: 332mg | Potassium: 747mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 823IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 3mg
    Keywords: fresh, light, protien

    More Salads

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      Fish Taco Slaw
    • Fattoush salad in a large bowl with wooden spoons
      Fattoush Salad
    • Matthew McConaughey Tuna Salad with a pita chip dipped in
      Matthew McConaughey Tuna Salad
    • Farro salad in a salad bowl
      Farro Salad

    Comments

      4.68 from 50 votes (26 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Darlene says

      September 06, 2021 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      This quinoa recipe was so easy to make and was delicious. My family loved it, can’t wait to make it again.

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        September 07, 2021 at 12:03 pm

        Yay so happy to hear this lovely especially that your family loved it too xx

        Reply
        • Carla says

          September 10, 2021 at 10:01 pm

          5 stars
          Made this salad for work lunch - I just dressed it right before eating & it kept really well. Can’t wait to make again

          Reply
          • Ayeh says

            September 14, 2021 at 9:51 am

            Yay so happy to hear lovely!

            Reply
    2. Laura Puccio says

      September 06, 2021 at 1:51 pm

      5 stars
      So tasty and summery! This will be a weekly recipe I make from now on. It’s so refreshing and full of flavour. Highly recommend

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        September 07, 2021 at 12:03 pm

        So glad you love it too Laura! Its definitely one to keep on repeat 🙂

        Reply
    3. Lucille larson says

      September 08, 2021 at 12:04 pm

      This salad is delicious!! Amazing the next day as well. It’s my new go to!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        September 14, 2021 at 9:54 am

        Yay so happy to hear lovely xx

        Reply
    4. Lucille says

      September 08, 2021 at 1:33 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely loved this recipe! It’s my new go to!!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        September 14, 2021 at 9:53 am

        Love this Lucille!

        Reply
    5. Chelsea says

      September 09, 2021 at 12:39 pm

      4 stars
      I have tried this twice and absolutely loved it! Super fresh and healthy!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        September 14, 2021 at 9:53 am

        So happy youve been making it dear xxx

        Reply
    6. Amanda says

      September 11, 2021 at 11:37 am

      5 stars
      This quinoa salad was great. I’m always tryin to find a new recipe for quinoa and this one hit the spot. The perfect combination of veggies. So refreshing and definitely filling ❣️

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        September 14, 2021 at 9:51 am

        Its my new fav too, so glad you love it as much as I do xxx

        Reply
        • Kattie Nelson says

          February 22, 2022 at 1:59 am

          5 stars
          Omg.. can't stress enough how much I LOVEEE this salad!! Thanks for sharing!! I just stumbled across your chick pea avocado salad... making that today!!!

          Reply
          • Ayeh says

            February 22, 2022 at 8:59 pm

            Hehe so glad you love this as much as I do! Oh yes!! Hope you love it too xxxx

            Reply
    7. Huti says

      September 12, 2021 at 9:08 pm

      5 stars
      Fast, healthy, but sooo delicious- is exactly the recipe that I needed to brighten up my Melbourne lockdown day!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        September 14, 2021 at 9:49 am

        Love this!!

        Reply
      • Zizo says

        December 30, 2021 at 1:00 am

        5 stars
        I tried this wonderful meal and it was great had everything. My children who complain about everything I cook loved ii Thank you ❤️I can’t wait to try your next masterpiece.

        Reply
        • Ayeh says

          January 05, 2022 at 10:30 am

          Awww this makes me super happy to hear especially that your kids loved it too xx

          Reply
    8. Apoorva says

      September 14, 2021 at 9:26 pm

      This salad is going to be my dinner staple! So easy & SO REFRESHING! Your recipes are always the best!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        September 16, 2021 at 11:29 am

        Aww love this, so happy to hear x

        Reply
    9. Isidora says

      September 17, 2021 at 6:53 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious salad that will keep you full for hours, love it! ✨

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        September 18, 2021 at 12:24 pm

        Yay it sure does right 🙂

        Reply
    10. Lizzy N says

      September 19, 2021 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! I’ve been stuck in a mindset that I need meat with every meal but this salad is so refreshing. Left me feeling full, satisfied and energised! The prep and clean up is so simple too!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        September 19, 2021 at 2:10 pm

        This comment made me so happy lovely, so glad it changed your mind xxx

        Reply
    11. Tessa says

      September 20, 2021 at 11:27 am

      5 stars
      So yummy and easy to make! Super refreshing and keeps well in the fridge! Keeps me full with energised. Love it!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        September 21, 2021 at 12:53 pm

        So glad to hear lovely!! xx

        Reply
    12. Spiral Fitness says

      September 25, 2021 at 11:59 am

      5 stars
      Loved this easy, delicious and beautiful recipe! I was so excited to eat it I forgot to take a picture lol next time!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        September 25, 2021 at 7:01 pm

        Hehe thats a compliment in itself 🙂 Cant wait to see it next time xxx

        Reply
    13. Jess says

      September 26, 2021 at 5:31 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! Love alternating the recipe dressing w kewpie roast sesame dressing (which i recently discovered) to add a different flavour profile.

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        October 01, 2021 at 8:46 pm

        Omg yum I must try that too 🙂

        Reply
    14. Eleanor Taylor says

      September 27, 2021 at 5:55 am

      5 stars
      I would give it 6 stars if I could!
      I’ve always struggled with salads and put them in the “boring” category, but this recipe is a total game changer! It’s DELICIOUS and so simple. All I eat at the moment and long may it continue.

      Thank you thank you! ❤️

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        October 01, 2021 at 8:49 pm

        Awww love this comment!! So happy you love it too x

        Reply
    15. Rose says

      December 20, 2021 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      This was so easy and good! I added shrimp for protein! Delicious

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        December 20, 2021 at 9:43 pm

        Yum it looked amazing too!

        Reply
    16. Abby says

      February 01, 2022 at 8:30 am

      5 stars
      I absolutely loved this recipe. It was so easy to make and tasted so delicious. It has become my new school lunch!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        February 01, 2022 at 12:04 pm

        So happy you loved this as much as I do Abby 🙂

        Reply
    17. Marina says

      February 01, 2022 at 6:10 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious salad and very easy to make. I don't make a lot of Mediterranean style dishes, but this one was a big hit with the fanily, much to my surprise! The kids (ages 2-8) even went back back for thirds, and that's saying A LOT for these picky eaters. Will be a staple from here on. Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        February 01, 2022 at 6:37 pm

        The best compliment to hear your kids loved it so much Marina!!!!

        Reply
    18. NAHID says

      February 09, 2022 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars
      I love this salad! It's really yummy

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        February 10, 2022 at 3:45 pm

        Ditto lovely! So glad you loved it too x

        Reply
    19. ava says

      February 16, 2022 at 5:37 pm

      5 stars
      this was so delicious and easy to make i had it for lunch and all my friends were asking for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        February 20, 2022 at 10:33 am

        Yay! So happy all your friends loved it too Ava x

        Reply
    20. Julie says

      March 05, 2022 at 4:04 am

      Any suggestions for a substitute for the olives, for a non-olive eater? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        March 07, 2022 at 1:57 pm

        Artichokes or even marinated red peppers would be great too 🙂

        Reply
    21. Eliza says

      March 12, 2022 at 7:55 am

      5 stars
      So delicious and fresh! I made this recipe without the quinoa because I’d run out and it was still super filling! Definitely will make again.

      Reply
      • Ayeh says

        March 12, 2022 at 11:23 am

        So glad to hear Eliza, its so fresh isnt it 🙂

        Reply
    22. Susan says

      January 18, 2023 at 3:13 am

      5 stars
      Can’t wait to try the recipes

      Reply
      • Ayeh Manfre says

        January 19, 2023 at 6:33 am

        Yay hope you love it x

        Reply
    23. Stephanie Brown says

      March 17, 2023 at 8:45 am

      5 stars
      Made this and loved it. Use the quick packs of 2-min quinoa to cut down time! No fancy cucumbers? Use half an English cucumber. Only a regular tomato? Go for it! Lastly, I’d bought fresh basil instead of mint….worked fabulously. The combo of flavours is sooo satisfying.

      Reply
      • Ayeh Manfre says

        March 20, 2023 at 10:14 pm

        Oh lovely to hear Stephanie and love the easy substitutions xxxxx Its one of mt favs too 🙂

        Reply
    24. Lucy Wise says

      October 14, 2024 at 6:00 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious quinoa salad, I decided to add chicken and chickpeas to it for a balanced meal of nutrients. Will definitely be making this again. Thank you for the recipe. I appreciate you sharing 🙂

      Kind regards,
      Lucy

      Reply
      • Ayeh Manfre says

        October 14, 2024 at 8:12 pm

        Sounds delicious Lucy, so happy you love this recipe xxx

        Reply
    Ayeh about me picture

    Hi, I'm Ayeh!

    Hey everyone! I love creating easy everyday recipes with a healthy twist that anyone can make. I will show you that you can eat delicious food, using wholesome ingredients that make you feel good from the inside out!

    About Me →

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