Lemon Quinoa Salad
Healthy and hearty, this Lemon Quinoa Salad Recipe is the perfect dish for barbecues, meal prep, and more! Wholesome quinoa is the basis for this colorful, summery dish, while fresh tomato, cucumber, parsley, and lemon-garlic dressing make it absolutely irresistible.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Salad:
- 4 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 large avocado seeded, peeled and cubed (optional)
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 lemons juiced about 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or whole grain
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground Black Pepper
- 2 cloves garlic pressed or finely minced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped cucumber, chickpeas, tomatoes, and parsley. Toss well to combine.
- In a mason jar, add all the dressing ingredients: olive oil, fresh lemon juice, mustard, garlic salt, and garlic. Seal with an airtight lid and shake well to combine.
- Pour dressing over the salad, and toss well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding diced avocado and more salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
-
- Storage: Leftover lemon quinoa salad is super easy to store - just put it in your favorite airtight container or a zip-top baggie, and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and it's delicious served cold.
- About the Avocado: I've already mentioned that you can store and take this lemon quinoa salad recipe with you easily - all you need to do is pack it in an airtight container. But I will admit that the avocado can be a little bit delicate. To avoid browned or bruised avocado pieces, try cutting and adding the avocado just before serving.
- Vegetarian Options: You can boost the protein even more by adding tofu, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, or cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or cubed cheddar.
- Meat: And of course, this recipe would also be delicious with cubed chicken, ham, or even steak. Yum.