Our Favorite Quinoa Salad Recipe

People often think that food that is healthy for you is bland or boring. That is not the case at all! Here is an incredibly flavorful and nutrient-packed recipe for our favorite Quinoa Salad. Quinoa is high in protein, fiber, and amino acids which can help with inflammation and immune activity. We love that quinoa is gluten-free, delicious, and boasts so many potential health benefits! 

Favorite Quinoa Salad

• Author: Cookie and Kate
•  Prep Time: 20 minutes
•  Cook Time: 20 minutes
•  Total Time: 40 minutes
•  Yield: 8 side salads 1x

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed in a fine-mesh colander
• 2 cups of 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)
• 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. To cook the quinoa: Combine the rinsed quinoa and the water in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the quinoa has absorbed all of the water, about 15 minutes, reducing heat as time goes on to maintain a gentle simmer. Remove from heat, cover, and let the quinoa rest for 5 minutes, to give it time to fluff up.
2. In a large serving bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, onion and parsley. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic and salt. Whisk until blended, then set aside.
4. Once the quinoa is mostly cool, add it to the serving bowl, and drizzle the dressing on top. Toss until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Season with black pepper, to taste, and add an extra pinch of salt if necessary. For best flavor, let the salad rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
5. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for about 4 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature