Introducing my favorite quinoa salad! I’ve published more than a few quinoa salads over the years and I genuinely love all of them, but this recipe is officially my favorite.
This quinoa salad is refreshing, crisp and delicious. It’s made simply with fresh cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, chickpeas, fresh parsley and a garlicky olive oil and lemon dressing. The salad sort of reminds me of tabouleh, an herbed Lebanese salad with tomatoes and bulgur.
The Best Quinoa Salad
Three reasons to love this recipe:
- This quinoa salad recipe is also very easy to toss together, especially if you use leftover quinoa (see recipe note). The recipe uses my preferred quinoa cooking method, which yields fluffy quinoa every time.
- This salad packs great for lunch, picnics, road trips and plane rides.
- Bring this allergy-friendly salad along to your next potluck—it’s vegan/dairy free, gluten free, and nut free, for all to enjoy.
This recipe doesn’t taste “basic,” but it has a lot of merits that make it a staple recipe in my kitchen. I hope it becomes your go-to quinoa salad recipe, too! Please let me know how it turns out for you in the comments.
Watch How to Make Quinoa Salad
My summer has been punctuated by fun, casual get-togethers with friends. Spontaneous afternoons at the pool, walks around the park, and potlucks—yes to all of the above. It’s nice to have supplies at the ready. My pool bag is packed with magazines and sunscreen, and my fridge is stocked with quinoa salad and Bota Box Wine (thank you, Bota Box!).
The “Bota Mini” size is super portable and easy to grab for an evening picnic at the park. The small boxes are convenient because you don’t have to remember to bring a bottle opener, and the empty boxes are lightweight and recyclable. Each 500 mL mini contains three glasses of wine, or just over half of a standard wine bottle. I recommend pairing their light, crisp Sauvignon blanc with this refreshing summer salad.
Please let me know how this recipe turns out for you in the comments! I love hearing from you and hope this quinoa salad becomes your favorite, too.
Craving more fresh and delicious salads? Here are a few more:
- Quinoa Broccoli Slaw
- Sun-Dried Tomato, Quinoa and Spinach Salad
- Mexican(ish) Kale and Quinoa Salad
- Herbed Quinoa and Chickpea Salad
Favorite Quinoa Salad
- Author:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 side salads 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
This quinoa salad recipe is the best! Everyone loves this healthy quinoa salad made with quinoa, chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, parsley and lemon. It’s vegan and gluten free, too! Recipe yields 4 medium salads or 8 side salads.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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
- 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.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, onion and parsley. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic and salt. Whisk until blended, then set aside.
- 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.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for about 4 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Recipe inspired by the outrageous herbaceous chickpea salad in my cookbook (page 71) and my quinoa tabbouli.
*Quinoa note: If you happen to have 3 cups of leftover cooked quinoa, you can use it instead of cooking more.
Change it up: This salad is awesome as written. You can serve it on fresh greens with an extra drizzle of olive oil and squeeze of lemon juice for dressing. Feel free to top it with crumbled feta cheese or a dollop of cashew sour cream (recipe in my cookbook, page 217).
▸ Nutrition Information
This post was sponsored by Bota Box and I received compensation for my participation. Opinions are my own, always. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who support C+K!
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Trina Campbell
I just quadrupled the recipe, do you think I could freeze it?
Trina
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Trina! That’s a lot of salad. I don’t know about freezing this one. Typically recipes like this don’t freeze well.
Sulay
How many days could it last on the fridge?
Kate
Hi Sulay! See step 5.
anon
Made this for Xmas lunch and it was a hit. Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome! Thank you for sharing.
Kate
Love this recipe. I make a double batch and share with friends. Everyone loves it! Even the quinoa haters.. yes they still exist, strangely. Then I have salad for lunch all week, don’t get bored of this flavors. Is awesome on top of any greens/ lettuce. No dressing needed since the quinoa has all that yummy lemon/ garlic!!
★★★★★
Dominique Hawn
This really is the best quinoa salad ever. I rarely make recipes more than once, but I have this one memorized because I’ve made it so many times. So healthy and delicious. Thanks for sharing, Kate!
★★★★★
Ilakya Buvanashekaran
Hi Kate
I made this salad for a picnic and it came out amazingly. Everyone loved it. Thank you!!
Elizabeth K. Deardorff
Perfect recipe! I make it regularly and enjoy the variations–adding a bit of mint, and/or feta. It seems to last a solid week if you cut the veggies a bit larger, but I like it both ways. A hit with my teenage daughters. Thank you!
★★★★★
Jane
Hi Kate! I am officially hailing you as my “Hero of the Day”! You finally got my kids to eat, enjoy and ask for MORE wholegrains! I am gobsmacked and thank you profusely for sharing this recipe, which is incidentally now MY favourite quinoa recipe I made it up exactly as is and will do so again, but in DOUBLE quantities! Keep inspiring and sharing x
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Jane!
Emily Kaminski
Made the quinoa in the Instant Pot and put fresh avocado on top. Excellent! Even my picky 7 year old ate it!
★★★★★
Linda Gay
Absolutely love this recipe. I make it and eat it for lunch every day until it’s gone. Great healthy low calorie lunch.
★★★★★
Brittany
I’ve become obsessed with the quinoa salad from Costco, but its pricey so I figured I’d make my own since most of these ingredients are pantry staples. This is WAY better than Costco’s! I used ACV instead of red wine vinegar and freshly ground pepper. Delicious!
★★★★★
Michelle
My family loved this dish! My son has many food allergies, so I omitted the red onion. I used a large diced green pepper and some craisins for color since I didn’t have a cucumber or red pepper on hand. The dressing was perfect without salt and pepper. It’s a keeper.
★★★★★
D
This is so delicious! I did not use garlic and onions, but added celery! Added more lemon since I do not like vinegar. It turned out great!!!
★★★★★
Eileen Marshall
Made this salad and it came out delicious even though I accidentally only made half of the quinoa. Just a little juicier.
Question: For calorie counting purposes, approximately how many ounces or cups is a serving?
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Elieen! I’m happy you were still able to enjoy it. Roughly 1-1.5 cups is a serving.
Eileen Marshall
Thanks, so much. I will definitely be making it again.
Melanie M Tayler
This was really good. I was hesitant to make it. It didn’t sound that good to me. But, after reading the reviews, I decided to give it a try. It is wonderful. I will definitely be making it again. I did substitute celery for the cucumber.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you loved it! Thank you for sharing, Melanie.
Morgan
Delicious recipe. I made it yesterday (with some feta added in) and my family ate it all in one day. Today I made a double batch to snack on (who knows how long it will last, though?), since it’s the perfect food to have in the fridge, waiting for you when you’re hungry and want to both 1. eat something delicious and 2. want to stay aligned with goals of eating wholesome food.
As a side note, I recently found your blog from another recipe (soba and cabbage slaw!) and have branched out to try a few of your other recipes, including your hemp and cilantro pesto and your black bean bowls. You are truly one of the best, most creative food blogs that I’ve ever come across and every single recipe that I’ve tried from this blog has been a big hit personally and with my family! I’ve been making strides in changing to a fully vegetarian diet and your recipes satisfy everyone at the table, even my family of meat eaters. This recipe is no exception! Your blog is now my starting point for finding something to make for dinner and I look forward to trying out more of your recipes!
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Morgan, thank you for your kind comment! I’m delighted to hear how much you and your family are enjoying my recipes. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for about 4 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Lara
Morgan,
I’m going to recommend her book, Love Real Food. A family member recently gave it to me, and it’s as excellent as her blog, and fun to read. (I don’t know her, and have never actually commented before, but I saw that you really like her recipes, as I do, and thought you might enjoy the book).
(P.S. I also love this recipe, and since I always have some leftover quinoa, it’s a go-to.)
Lara
★★★★★
Pat Giacobbe
I stumbled upon this recipe one day. I simply love it and so does my family. Its so good that they love something so healthy. Thank you.
★★★★★
Stefanie
Hi do I really need the vinegar?
Kate
Hi! It really helps bring out some of the flavors. I love it in this salad.
Novie
Me and my Husband totally love this salad recipe so much! Two Thumbs Up!!! Thank you Kate!
★★★★★
Doris
Thank you for the recipe, delicious!
I made it but did not have parsley so I used cilantro, did not have red wine vinegar or lemons but I found a packet of creamy Italian and wallah!!! Just perfect
★★★★★
Virginia
Hey, Kate! Love your stuff!
Quick question: can the quinoa be subbed by short grain brown rice?
We have a family member who is allergic to quinoa. It’d be great to make this, and still get the salad’s essence down, if possible! Thanks! :)
Kate
Hi! Yes, that could work too! Let me know what you think, Virginia.
Lorez
This was fabulous !! So easy and so quick the hardest is to cut up the vegetables !! Thanks .. what would you say is the what meat to pair this side dish with?
Thanks again … love it!
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Lorez! I’m happy you loved this salad. I don’t have a suggestion for meat to pair with as I’m a vegetarian. Sorry!
Tee
Would really like to make this recipe and your others they look amazing, so fresh and vibrant and really nutritious, but i’m struggling with the weight conversion to Grams for UK as we don’t use cups?. Tried Googling cup conversion but it seems the conversion varies depending on the type of food you’re weighing. Eg the cup weight for liquid is different from the cup weight for solids etc. Help :)
Kate
Hi Tee, sorry to disappoint that I don’t provide conversions. Others have found this conversion chart helpful.
Julia
I tried sautéed shrimps with this salad and I really like how the flavors complimented each other.
★★★★★
Celia
What would be a good substitute for the chick peas. I can’t stand their taste. Lol Maybe cannellini beans?
Kate
Hi! You could, or you could omit if you like.
Angela
Really enjoyed this salad! It was easy to make and quick, too. Very flavorful. Will make it again for a potluck at the end of the month. Thank you!!
★★★★★
Lynn
This recipe easy and delicious! I use garlic powder instead of raw garlic. It does remind me of tabbouleh salad. I also like it because it’s vegan too!
★★★★★
Wendy S
This looks wonderful and I’m looking forward to trying it this week. I would like your thoughts on substituting spinach for the parsley, please?
Kate
Hi Wendy! You could use spinach here, although parsley adds some flavor you could be missing.
Vida Cheeseman
Kale also works perfectly!
Julie
Love this quinoa salad! It’s perfect as written, and super easy to sub in/out different veggies for dietary restrictions. It’s even better if left to sit overnight in the fridge. I like to add some rotisserie chicken in it for my husband and he loves it that way. Thanks for this awesome recipe!
★★★★★
Isabelle
This recipe recipe looks absolutely delicious and Im so keen to try it but I’m just wondering what you’d suggest using if we don’t have red wine vinegar? Have you tried this with any other vinegar/a different dressing? :)
Kate
Hi! You can increase the amount of lemon if you would like or some have tried apple cider vinegar and didn’t mind the result.
Vicky
Hi my name is Vicky, first time I’ve ever made it and I loved it. I will definitely be making it again I took it for lunch every day this week :-)
★★★★★
Keeley
This salad is so yummy! I’ve done it for dinner tonight as a sort of buddah bowl with roast broccoli, vegan sausages and avocado. Big hit including with my two year old who wolfed it down! Will definitely be making this again.
★★★★★
Emma
Terrific. I used puy lentils instead of chickpeas, and added some mint and some toasted pine nuts. Yum!
★★★★★
Kate
I love it! Thank you for taking the time to review, Emma.
Cathy Jackson
Soooo good!!! This has become a weekly favourite in our house. I really like the simplicity and complementary flavours. We double it add feta cheese for fun = ) Thanks!
★★★★★
Kristy
Great riff on tabouli- delicious! With hungry kids home from college awesome to have in the fridge.
★★★★★
Reaa Maraj
Made this recipe many times already! I made it for a few potlucks, family dinners, etc. and usually get asked for the recipe. It’s always a hit. I find that making the quinoa on the drier side helps with not having a soggy salad after adding the dressing. It’s an amazing and very flavourful recipe. Highly recommended.
★★★★★
Teresa
Best salad I’ve ever tasted- my husband agrees! And it’s jam packed full of nutrients, what more could one want?! Perfect for keeping in the fridge for a quick, healthy and delicious lunch- particularly perfect given we’re both working from home at the moment. Thank you so much for sharing!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Teresa! Thank you for your review.
Lacey
I make this salad constantly! It’s about time I left a review. This is the perfect example of healthy food that tastes amazing. I like to add extra chickpeas and less olive oil, and it’s still super delicious. Love this for weekly meal prep in the summer!
★★★★★
BC Kauai
Absolutely DELICIOUS!!! Even without the onions. THANK YOU!!!!!!
★★★★★
Yvonne
Excellent recipe! Went great with our latkes. Only tweak is I cook the quinoa in veggie broth.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Yvonne!
Juanablair
The recipe doesn’t indicate to cover the quinoa as it simmers, but it says to do so on the package of quinoa. I wonder if this step was accidentally omitted from the recipe or if you prefer to cook your quinoa uncovered. About to cook this for the first time for lunch :)
Kate
Hi! I have a different method for cooking quinoa so you get a perfect result everytime.
Juanablair
I actually ended up covering it and thankfully it came out well, but I’ll try your method next time. I honestly thought the salad would be just good but I LOVED this. Next time I’ll put even more dressing in. It was addictive! Thank you!
★★★★★
Steph
Hi Kate, I’m keen to try this one out for Christmas! Is it okay to cook a day or two in advance?
Kate
Hi! Yes, this salad is great left over.
Liz
This has become my go-to recipe for quinoa salad! Great as is – and easy to change up a little with diff. veggies, etc. Made it again this week and there were no leftovers. :) So good!
★★★★★
Jesselyn S. Valdueza
I just tried this recipe today for dinner and i am so in love! this is now my new favorite salad. I had it with seared chicken tenders. It was great! thank you for sharing this recipe :)
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful to hear, Jessalyn! I appreciate you taking the time to review.
Mary Harris
I love this recipe and have made it many times, it being a huge hit with vegetarians in the family, as well as the carnivores. I add a few roasted seeds and nuts. Christmas Eve dinner will see this salad fighting for first place with the ham.
★★★★★
Erin
So yummy!!! I added baby tomatoes and avo! You really can modify with any veggies you want :)
★★★★★
Quinn
Made this recipe after all the rave reviews. Meh….I loved the diced cucumber and red pepper. Dressing was meh as was the dish overall. Sorry.
★★★
Kate
I’m sorry you didn’t love this one, Quinn. I appreciate you taking the time to review.
Tori J
The serving size says one side salad. How many cups? I’m on a diet so I’m trying to measure everything.
Kate
Hi Tori, a serving is roughly 1.5-2 cups.
Terri
I’ve been looking for a simple and delicious quinoa recipe. You nailed it! Just what I was looking for! Thank you so much for sharing.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for your review, Terri!
Blare
I’ve been making this recipe every Sunday for the past few months and this is my weekday lunch – every Monday through Friday. I never tire of it and love that I’m enjoying a flavorful, healthy lunch each day. It’s the best quinoa salad recipe I found. So simple yet so good. Thanks for sharing this!
★★★★★
Sophie Galipeau
Thanks for sharing! This recipe is super easy to modify based on ingredients you have on hand. I used cilantro instead of parsley and added celery, as well as 1/4 t.s. of turmeric, and cumin for a middle eastern twist. I topped it with roasted pumpkin seeds and served with wings and a smooth Gewurztraminer. So good!
★★★★★
sonia zarran
how can I make the quinoa?
Kate
Hi Sonia! All the instructions are in the recipe card. See step 1.
Maby
Hello Kate,
I hope you are well. It all started months ago when I was browsing into my phone regarding salad recipes and found your Vegetable Salad recipe. Loved it so much. I don’t like the balsamic vinegar though, however, when I prepared the dressing loved it too. Thanks for sharing all the food you make.
You take care.
Maby
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Maby! I’m happy you enjoyed it.
Lua
Great recipe- easy to follow. Was delicious! Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Lua!
Sarah
This is fantastic. I used dill because my grocery store was out of parsley – just delish. The dressing is incredible! Thanks for this amazing recipe – I’ll be making it weekly.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy to hear it worked well!
Carolyn
Best salad!!! Literally make this recipe to a T every single week! my favourite be ever made. I don’t even have to look at recipe anymore I’m a pro now haha
My 9 month old is obsessed too!
★★★★★
Kate
I love that!
BA
Thanks from Kerala for the recepie.it was great .My family enjoyed it.
★★★★★
Michaela
I love this so much! I serve it on arugula with a little maple syrup and some feta (maybe a little avocado if I’m feeling dangerous)
Kate
That sounds delicious!
Catherine
This is easily my new favorite quinoa dish. It is SO INCREDIBLY GOOD. My friend recommended it to me, and I loved it. I recommended it to my parents, and they loved it (despite my Dad not liking chickpeas). Definitely a winner…and SO EASY! Thank you!
★★★★★
Peyton Bergmann
I just had to comment because I make a triple batch at least once a month, but wow. It’s often so hard to find a salad recipe that is easy, healthy, and tasty, but this checks all of those boxes. Fantastic stuff.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Peyton!
I-Rod
My favorite thing about this salad is that it doesn’t call for tomatoes, which so many others do. I love tomatoes, and I often top this one with a few small ones as I serve individua portions, but I prefer to leave them out during preparation because they make the salad soggy and/or not last as long.
This salad is colorful, satisfying, refreshing, and easy to make with not a single “specialty” ingredient. I make mine with hothouse (“English”) cucumbers and a little less parsley than the recipe calls…just because I don’t love parsley. The garlic in the dressing is a great touch!
★★★★★
marie
They added watermelon with this and tasted so good. The one i bought today tasted so sour, l’m gonna be acidic with it!
Margaret Browne
I love this salad and it’s on my regular weekly lunch menu. I make a batch on a Sunday to get me through the week. I add some pepitas and cranberries which just add a touch of sweetness to cut through the savoury flavours. Delicious and so healthy!
★★★★★
Kate
I love that you make this weekly, Margaret! Thank you for your review.
Teena
This is such a great adaptable recipe. I’m sensitive to beans so I subbed kohlrabi for the chickpeas and cilantro (just because I love it) for the parsley. Also tossed in some spinach and increased the amount of dressing. I’ll probably be adding all kinds of leftover things to this in the future. Thanks!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m delighted you enjoyed it, Teena!
Holly
I made this twice, once exactly as written and the second time I swapped the red onion for green onion and the pasley for cilantro because I had it handy. Both times it was great but my kids find red onion on the “hot” side so the green onion in a smaller quantity worked a bit better for my family. Another fresh and healthy recipe.
Thanks Kate!
Holly
★★★★★
DianaJ
This salad is basically good, but dressing wasn’t flavorful enough for us, so to the leftovers I added a tahini lime sauce which worked very well.
★★★★
Kate
I’m sorry you didn’t love it, but I appreciate your review!
Katie
This is now my favorite quinoa salad! So much more flavorful than I expected, and it was still really good after 2-3 days in the fridge. I don’t usually use oil in salads, so I reduced the olive oil to a scant tablespoon and the dressing was still great.
★★★★★
Maggie L
My husband and I loved this dish! Very healthy and very flavorful. Will make over and over again!
★★★★★
Gen
I’m always looking for a reason to eat chickpeas, and quinoa used to intimidate me, but this recipe is simple and oh so delicious! I try to make it regularly so I have healthy lunches (and snacks!). My only tweak is umboshi vinegar (plum vinegar). I use it in everything veggie that calls for it, it is stronger but the bite and flavour is deep and satisfying. Thank you for the recipe! I visit your recipes often and have so far loved every one!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you made it and enjoyed it, Gen! Thank you for sharing how you made this fit for you.
meera
Hi! A question please. Am not good with understanding numbers easily. The chart says:
Serving Size 1 side salad
Serves 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories 205
So, is this 8 servings? And each serving is 205 calories? Therefore, in all 1600 calories? Trouble is these salads feel so good, one eats too much!
★★★★★
Kate
Hi, Yes, one serving is the nutrition information. You have it correct!
Angie
Turned out great. As a personal preference, the next time I make it, I might half the amount of parsley. I discovered I’m not the biggest fan of it’s flavor and that it kind of took over the recipe for me.
★★★★★
Jean
This is delicious! Our new favorite. Added Kalamata olives and feta cheese when serving to guest. They went back for thirds!
★★★★★
Kate
Sounds delicious, Jean! Thank you for your review.
Dawn
I tried this recipe and it is absolutely the best! I’ve made it many times over. It’s hard to get teenagers to eat healthy, but my daughter is always asking me to make this. Thank you! We love it with a few sprinkles of feta.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Dawn!
Daisyheadfayzie
Yep. Just as clean and delicious as I expected it to be. The kind of food you don’t feel guilty about eating.
Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome!
Theda
I’ve made a lot of quinoa salads but this is by far my favorite. I think the dressing with red wine vinegar & fresh lemon really set It off perfectly!
I brought it to a family gathering and it was gone in moments!
★★★★★
Kate
That’s great to hear, Theda! I appreciate your review.
Theda Reale
Oh my goodness I didn’t expect to reply how nice! I have been asked by my family members to please bring it again for this weekend’s birthday party!
I used part multicolored quinoa and part soft white wheat berries to add a nutty ‘chew’ and I think it complemented your recipe perfectly! After all recipes of yours I have made over the years I can’t believe I never knew that Cookie was your dog LOL what a cutie!
★★★★★
Kate
I love it! Thank you for sharing. Yes, Cookie is my trusted sidekick.
Brenda Fiato
I made this and its so refreshing and delicious.
Christina
I’m out of red wine vinegar. Can balsamic vinegar work?
★★★★★
Kate
Hi! Sure, it will change your flavor. Let me know what you think!
Karen
My daughter-in-law made this for a picnic. It was really delicious, can’t wait to make it myself
★★★★★
Donna
I have never made a quinoa salad before. Cooking the quinoa wasn’t difficult at all, and that was what I was concerned about. The salad came together nicely and tasted great. And that is without allowing the flavors in the dressing to marinate for a little bit. Oh, it will be delish tomorrow. Now, I need to buy your cookbook.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for your review! I’m glad you enjoyed it, Donna.
Barb Wilson
Just made this salad. Fabulous! Easy and really delicious. Thank you!
★★★★★
Julie
This is the best recipe ever! I’ve never left comments on blogs but I love it so much that I had to give credit where it was due. I have made it over and over again. Makes me feel like I can cook (and cooking is not my forte at all) thanks Kate!
★★★★★
Bev
I love this recipe… I could eat it every day for lunch… if serving for guests at a luncheon what would you suggest I serve with it . A bread of some sort, a protein? I just would like to offer a few additional items for the plate
Thank you so much
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Bev! Quinoa offers a lot of protein and substances. But, you can serve with another salad or main dish to round it out.
Bev
Ok thank you… I was hoping you could suggest a specific salad that might compliment the Quinoa salad … one of your others perhaps
Kate
Hi Bev, or a sandwich could be nice. https://cookieandkate.com/search/?q=sandwich
Mary Gingo
This recipe is delicious! We mostly eat a plant based diet and finding something this tasty with a wow factor is a hit every time!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m delighted you enjoyed it, Mary! Thank you for your review.
Jeigh
Can this salad be made a day in advance? I have a lot to prepare for an upcoming luncheon and was trying to get some tasks out of the way early. Super excited to make this!
★★★★★
Kate
Hi! Yes, this can be made in advance. Thank you for your review!
Julie
Excellent recipe! Very versatile. I only had lime and cilantro on hand today, so subbed those out. I also added minced jalapeño, a bit of cumin, some olives, and served with a side of guacamole and tomatoes. It was fantastic! I love the way this recipe allows you to play around with herbs and flavors. Thanks!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy you were able to enjoy it, Julie! Thank you for your review.
Andrea Rutkowski
I’ve made this two times in the last few days! It’s so delicious! I made it for a small gathering of a few vaccinated friends and left out the garlic accidentally and only used the juice of one lemon because I wasn’t specific and that’s all my husband got it. I also used more like 1/4 cup of red onion. Anyway, it was SO good that I decided I needed to make it to have for lunch this week at work. I got a little burst of inspiration and made it just like I’d already made it, but added about a 1/4 of dill weed. OMG, when I sat down to lunch today…this delight made Monday a little more bearable. Just figured I’d share for any dill fans out there who might want to experiment with this already amazing salad.
★★★★★
Kate
That’s great, Andrea! Thank you for your review.
Aleisha
One of my favourite salads ever! I add feta and kalamata olives. So tasty, thank you for this recipe!
Kate
You’re welcome, Aleisha!
Nicolette
I love this quinoa salad! It is so refreshing and delicious!
One of my batches came out too garlicky. Any recommendations to calm down the garlic taste. I may have added too much. Help!?
Kate
Hi! Did one of your cloves seem large? I’m sorry to hear it’s too garlicky. I’m not sure about toning it down after it’s been made. Sorry! Sometimes it can mellow as it sits.
Nicolette
Yes the glove was a bit large. I added more cucumbers, chickpeas, and another drizzle of lemon juice. Doing so helped balance out the dish. Im glad i didn’t pitch it! Thank you for the recipe!
Krista Benagle
Did no one else have a problem with the parsley going bad once you added the dressing? Something with the acid of the lemon mixed with the parsley made it taste awful. Or did I do something wrong?
★★★
Kate
Hi, I’m sorry to hear that. I wonder if you had a bad lemon or parsley.
Lindsay
I’ve made this a few times now and it’s a family favorite side dish. The only thing I do differently is add some honey to cut the acidity and saltiness. Otherwise, great recipe!
★★★★
Karen J
I had some leftover quinoa/bulgar and googled salads to use it up. Your recipe is definitely a winner! I omited the cucumber and added feta and a can of well drained Costco chicken breast. So good! That olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine dressing really makes it special. I could eat this salad every day. Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Karen! I’m happy you were able to enjoy it.
Judy McEwen
Absolutely delicious! I made it as written (other than using whit kidney beans instead of chickpeas) and topped the salad with crumbled feta. Flavorful, nutritious and presents beautifully.. I’ll be making this again and again. My quinoa was still a wee bit too wet, maybe because after the rinsing there was too much water residue). Thanks for a great recipe.
★★★★★
Tim from Winnipeg
This is a very good salad – great taste, nice textures, healthy. I added crumbled feta, which worked. It still tastes great the next day as well. Last summer it was farro salad. This summer, quinoa salad!
★★★★★
Paula
I’ve made a version of tabouli similar to this since I was short on wheat burger one time. Yours is a great recipe and I make it often, always following your method of cooking the quinoa. I like to serve it as a meal on a bed of chopped romaine with feta and a drizzle of good olive oil. It’s delicious and refreshing as well as nutritious!
★★★★★
Jen
Love it, make it every week for lunch, never gets boring!
★★★★★
Niamh Dean
Hi, is it possible to make this without the oil?
★★★★★
Kate
Sorry I don’t have a great option for you!