Healthy Quinoa Salad

by Eduardo M. Ortega

The Super Healthy Quinoa Salad is a refreshing blend of quinoa, crisp veggies, chickpeas, and greens, tossed in a zesty lemon-turmeric dressing for a light yet nourishing meal.

Rate/Review | Review Page

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or vegetable broth (low sodium)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped raw spinach or kale (for extra nutrients)
1/4 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (for crunch and healthy fats)
6 apples - peeled, cored, and sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it cool.
In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, spinach (or kale), chickpeas, and parsley.
Press crust mixture into the flat bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, oregano, turmeric, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl of veggies. Pour the dressing over and toss well. Sprinkle pumpkin or sunflower seeds on top for extra crunch.
Serve immediately or let it chill for 30 minutes for deeper flavors.

I absolutely love this quinoa salad! The combination of fresh greens, chickpeas, and the lemon-turmeric dressing is perfect. It’s super refreshing and filling without feeling heavy.

— Reviewed on Sep. 22, 2020 by Elias Vexley.

This salad is packed with flavor and nutrients! The added spinach and pumpkin seeds give it an extra health boost, and the turmeric dressing adds a subtle kick. I was looking for a healthy, easy meal, and this hit the spot. Even my kids enjoyed it!

— Reviewed on Sep. 1, 2021 by Marigold Sinclair.

I made this quinoa salad for a week’s worth of lunches, and it was a great choice. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. I added some grilled tofu on top for extra protein. The only thing I would change is adding a little more dressing, but overall, a fantastic recipe!

— Reviewed on August 28, 2023 by Jacque Mercer.