Make-Ahead Quinoa Salad (Printable)

Fluffy quinoa combined with fresh veggies and zesty lemon dressing for a refreshing meal option.

# What You’ll Use:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Vegetables & Herbs

04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
06 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
08 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)

→ Vinaigrette

10 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 garlic clove, minced
14 - 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
15 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Additions

17 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
18 - 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds

# How-To:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and cool to room temperature.
02 - While quinoa cooks, place cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint (if using) in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
04 - Add cooled quinoa to the vegetables. Pour vinaigrette over and toss gently to combine.
05 - If desired, fold in crumbled feta cheese and toasted seeds or almonds.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy schedules.
  • Can be made ahead and stored for up to 4 days without losing freshness.
  • Bright flavors from fresh lemon and herbs complement the wholesome quinoa.
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free, suitable for various diets.
  • Versatile ingredient combinations to suit your taste and preferences.
02 -
  • Use a fine-mesh sieve to rinse quinoa thoroughly, eliminating any bitterness.
  • Let quinoa cool completely before mixing to retain fresh vegetable textures.
  • Allow salad to chill at least 1 hour for flavors to fully blend.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Add herbs like fresh mint sparingly for a subtle refreshing note.
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