Cold Quinoa Salad With Veggies

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This cold quinoa salad is easy, healthy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for your next meal. You’ll love how simple it is to throw together, even on your busiest days. It’s packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and a zesty dressing that keeps every bite exciting. Plus, quinoa adds a protein punch, making it a filling dish for lunch or dinner. It’s also super versatile, so feel free to toss in your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!

Recipe

Cold Quinoa Salad is a revitalizing and nutritious dish perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and adaptable to personal taste preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is cooked. Fluff with a fork and let it cool completely.
2. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, feta cheese, and olives.
3. Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl and mix well.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes:

• For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
• Add protein by incorporating chickpeas, grilled chicken, or tofu.
• Customize with additional vegetables like avocado, spinach, or corn.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Serving: 4

Calories: Approximately 220 per serving (without feta cheese)

Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired

Nutrition

This cold quinoa salad is packed with nutrients and provides a balanced mix of macronutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my cold quinoa salad with grilled chicken, like lemon-pepper or herb-marinated, for a satisfying meal. Sometimes, I’ll switch up the dressings, trying balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy avocado lime for a fresh twist. It’s a simple way to keep things interesting while making the salad feel like a complete dish.

Grilled Chicken Options

Grilled chicken always shines when paired with the right sides, and I’ve found that adding a cold quinoa salad to the mix takes it to the next level. When I’m prepping the chicken, I love experimenting with grilled chicken marinades—think lemon garlic, honey mustard, or even a zesty herb blend. A good chicken seasoning blend, like smoky paprika or a simple mix of salt, pepper, and thyme, can make all the difference. I usually grill the chicken until it’s juicy with those perfect char marks, then slice it thin to layer over the quinoa salad. It’s a combo that never disappoints!

Tasty Dressing Varieties

What’s the secret to taking a cold quinoa salad from good to great? It’s all about the dressing varieties! I love experimenting with different flavor pairings to keep things exciting. A zesty lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh, tangy kick, while a creamy tahini dressing brings richness and depth. For a sweet and savory twist, I’ll drizzle on a honey-mustard blend. Sometimes, I go bold with a spicy sriracha-lime combo. Each dressing transforms the salad, making it feel new every time. Don’t be afraid to mix and match—your taste buds will thank you!