Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe with Lemon Vinaigrette

A delicious Quinoa Salad recipe with Mediterranean inspired flavors – tomatoes, peppers, red onion and fresh basil along with the cooked quinoa are combined with a fresh and zingy lemon vinaigrette for a light and fresh salad.

Summer is all about fresh ingredients and outdoor meals for us, that’s why this Quinoa Salad is perfect for the hot days that are still ahead! It uses just a few ingredients to transform plain quinoa into a delicious side dish (or main meal if you want to add protein like grilled chicken) and although we make this more in the summertime, you can definitely enjoy it on cooler days as well. 

You can customize the salad to your tastes too, so if you prefer zucchini over cucumber or cherry tomatoes over peppers, feel free to throw em in.

The dressing is just as simple as the salad itself, and can be used on a variety of green salads as well! So grab your ingredients and pack your picnic bag, it’s time to make this yummy Mediterranean inspired Quinoa Salad.

Frequently asked questions

If you have a question that isn’t answered below please leave a comment or email us so we can answer it for you!

How long does quinoa salad last

We love to prepare ingredients for the salad ahead of time and keep it undressed in the fridge, generally this can be for up to 4 days. If yours is already dressed with the vinaigrette you will want to use it within 24 hours so it doesn’t get too soggy.

How to prepare quinoa salad

This salad is so easy to prepare – simply boil and cook the quinoa while you chop your vegetables and basil. Once finished allow the quinoa to cool until it is no longer hot and you can add the chopped veggies. Top with dressing about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

How to season quinoa salad

Quinoa will absorb any flavor you cook it with so we prefer to cook ours in vegetable broth rather than water alone. This ensures a flavorful bite each time. Think of it like pasta – you would never eat pasta that hasn’t been cooked in salted water right? It would just be too bland without that injection of flavor!

Once the quinoa has been cooked and cooled it is always nice to add in a fresh herb along with the vegetables to really amp up the taste.

Be sure to PIN THIS QUINOA SALAD so you have it for later!

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• Greek Chickpea Salad – Fast, Easy and Delicious!
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• Simple Kale Slaw Recipe – A MUST MAKE Coleslaw
• Brussel Sprout Salad – Fall Favorite

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Yield: 6 cups

Easy Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

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Mediterranean inspired flavors like tomatoes, peppers, red onion and fresh basil make this quinoa salad and lemon vinaigrette a delicious lunch option.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 17 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed under cold water
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• ½ large cucumber, diced
• 1 large red pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil (or parsley) rough chopped
• salt to taste
• ¼ cup extra virgin vegetable oil
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (concentrated will do in a pinch)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ¾ tablespoon sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• pinch of Kosher salt

Instructions

1. Place medium pot over medium heat for about 2 minutes to warm, add in quinoa and allow to cook for 1 minute.
2. Add in water and vegetable broth with a pinch of salt and allow to come to a boil
3. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer until liquid is absorped (about 12 minutes). Remove from heat and place in serving bowl - put in fridge to chill.
4. While quinoa is chilling, mix together vegetable oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar and garlic in a small bowl. Whisk to fully combine and create a dressing. Add salt to taste.
5. Once quinoa is cooled add in cucumber, red pepper, red onion and basil - mix to combine.
6. Pour half of the dressing over salad and mix thoroughly so everything is coated.
7. Pour remainder of dressing over the salad before serving!

Notes

The quinoa can be made a day in advance so all you have to do day of is assemble!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1/2 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 140Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 295mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g

*Please note that nutritional values are not always 100% accurate and are to be used as a guide.

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