Description
This refreshing Quinoa Salad is the ultimate summer meal — light, colorful, and full of nutritious ingredients. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing, it’s perfect for picnics, meal prep, or a quick, healthy lunch.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
2. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool completely.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, chickpeas, and parsley.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
6. Top with feta cheese if using.
7. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
Add avocado or grilled chicken for extra protein.
This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days — perfect for meal prep.
Swap lemon juice for lime and add corn for a fun Southwest twist!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: quinoa salad, healthy summer meal, high protein salad, lemon quinoa salad, easy meal prep