• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Nutritious Deliciousness
  • Recipe Index
  • Browse By Course
    • Main Courses
    • Sides
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
  • Browse by Diet
    • Keto and Low Carb
    • Vegetarian
    • Gluten-free
    • Vegan
    • Dairy-free
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Main Courses
  • Sides
  • Desserts
  • Salads
  • Keto and Low Carb
  • Gluten-free
  • Vegetarian
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Salads » Best Quinoa Salad

    Best Quinoa Salad

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, see Disclosure.

    256 shares
    • Share
    • Flip
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Save Saved!

    With a gorgeous combination of colors and textures, this fluffy Quinoa Salad is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. It's the perfect holiday or potluck side dish.

    quinoa salad with mix of colorful veggies
    10 Easy Healthy Recipes eBook

    10 EASY HEALTHY RECIPES EBOOK

    DOWNLOAD NOW
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love This Quinoa Salad Recipe
    • 🛒 Ingredients for Quinoa Salad
    • 🔪 How to Make Quinoa Salad
    • 💡 Tips
    • ☑️ Storage Instructions
    • 🔄 Variations and Additions
    • Is This a Gluten-Free Quinoa Salad?
    • What Can I Use Instead of Quinoa?
    • Can I Eat Quinoa Salad Cold?
    • Is Quinoa Good for You?
    • 🍽️ More Quinoa Recipes

    ❤️ Why You'll Love This Quinoa Salad Recipe

    • Fluffy, nutritious and easy to make quinoa
    • Mix of healthy, colorful veggies
    • Tossed in an easy homemade citrus dressing
    • Great contrast in textures
    • Perfect for potlucks, BBQs or lunch meal prepping
    spoonful of Quinoa Salad held up over bowl

    This easy recipe for quinoa salad has the most wonderful combination of flavors and textures. Tender and fluffy quinoa is adorned with a colorful array of ingredients, from protein-packed chickpeas and edamame to the juicy burst of pomegranate seeds.

    Tossed in a zesty homemade citrus dressing, this salad gives you a satisfying crunch from sweet corn kernels and pine nuts. Diced red onion and a little fresh parsley add a refreshing kick, making it a nutritious and well-rounded dish that's perfect for a light meal or a flavorful side.

    quinoa, edamame, corn, red onion, chickpeas, pomegranate seeds and parsley in glass bowl in sections

    Ruby red pomegranate seeds make such an eye-catching addition to any dish. They are beautiful in these Power Abundance Bowls, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and this Roasted Salmon Pomegranate Rice and Quinoa Salad.

    🛒 Ingredients for Quinoa Salad

    • Quinoa
    • Water
    • Chickpeas
    • Edamame
    • Corn
    • Pomegranate seeds
    • Red onion
    • Pine nuts
    • Fresh parsley
    • Olive oil
    • Lemon juice
    • Lime juice
    • Apple cider vinegar
    • Honey (or Agave, if Vegan)
    • Dijon mustard
    • Garlic
    • Salt
    • Ground black pepper

    *Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

    🥣 Recommended Tools

    • Saucepan
    • Mixing bowl
    • Serving bowl
    • Bullet blender

    🔪 How to Make Quinoa Salad

    How to Cook Quinoa

    Add the water to a saucepan and bring it to a boil.

    quinoa in strainer

    Take the quinoa and rinse it under cold water for a few minutes. You’re rinsing off the saponin, which takes the bitterness out of the quinoa. Then pour it into boiling water and add the salt. 

    raw quinoa in saucepan with water

    Turn the heat down to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and is cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the germ has separated from the seed.

    cooked quinoa in saucepan

    Remove it from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes, covered, while you prepare the dressing and other ingredients.

    To Make the Citrus Dressing

    Add all of the dressing ingredients into a bullet blender or small mixing bowl.

    citrus dressing in bullet blender cup unmixed

    Whisk until well combined, then set aside.  Get the rest of your salad ingredients ready to add to the quinoa.

    citrus dressing in bullet blender cup

    To Assemble the Quinoa Salad

    Remove the lid from the saucepan and fluff it up using a fork. Transfer the quinoa to a large serving bowl.

    overhead view of cooked quinoa in glass bowl

    Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, corn, red onion, edamame, pomegranate, pine nuts, and parsley over the top of the quinoa.

    quinoa, edamame, corn, red onion, chickpeas, pomegranate seeds and parsley in glass bowl in sections

    Pour the dressing over the top, toss, and serve.

    quinoa, edamame, corn, red onion, chickpeas, pomegranate seeds and parsley in glass bowl in sections with dressing being poured over top

    If you like cooking with chickpeas, try this chickpea soup that has a Tuscan flair with classic Mediterranean flavors! Also be sure to try this Lebanese kibbeh in a tray that is Vegan friendly and super tasty!

    💡 Tips

    • Don’t forget to rinse: Before cooking, rinse quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitter coating called saponin.
    • Fluff it: After quinoa is cooked, it will settle and stick together. Before adding the other ingredients, take a second to fluff it with a fork.
    • Pomegranate tip: To easily remove pomegranate seeds, cut the fruit in half and gently tap the back with a wooden spoon over a bowl. For a shortcut, you can also buy pomegranate seeds in a container from the grocery store's produce department.
    • Precooked quinoa: While not quite as good as freshly cooked quinoa, you can use pre-cooked quinoa available in many grocery stores if you’re short on time.
    • Batch cooking: Prepare a large batch of quinoa and freeze it in portions for future salads and meals.
    quinoa salad with mix of colorful veggies

    ☑️ Storage Instructions

    The quinoa salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

    When it comes to freezing, I just do not recommend it. You can easily freeze most of these ingredients separately for different amounts of time. But when they are all mixed, some of the ingredients may not retain their texture.

    🔄 Variations and Additions

    • Feta cheese: Add crumbled feta cheese for a creamy and tangy element.
    • Avocado: Diced, ripe avocado adds a creamy, buttery texture.
    • Extra protein: Toss in grilled shrimp or sliced chicken breast for extra protein.
    • Mango: Add diced mango for added sweetness and a fun tropical twist.
    • Craisins: If you aren’t a fan of pomegranate, you can get a pop of red color from dried cranberries.
    • Spinach: Serve it over or add a handful of fresh baby spinach leaves for added nutrients.
    • Black beans: Include drained and rinsed black beans for an extra boost of fiber.
    • Roasted sweet potatoes: Roast sweet potato cubes and let them cool completely before adding them to a salad.

    If you can't find pine nuts, these honey roasted cashews would be a great addition to this quinoa salad. They also make a great snack all on their own!

    Also be sure to try this cheesy quinoa made with zucchini, it's easy, creamy and so cheesy!

    closeup of Quinoa Salad in white bowl

    Is This a Gluten-Free Quinoa Salad?

    The ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. However, it's important to always check the ingredient label, especially with vinegar or condiments, just to be sure.

    What Can I Use Instead of Quinoa?

    Not a fan of quinoa? No worries. You can use grains like bulgur wheat, couscous, or farro. Depending on your dietary goals, you can also use brown rice, white rice, or even pasta for a different texture.

    fork holding up Quinoa Salad

    Can I Eat Quinoa Salad Cold?

    Sure! A cold quinoa salad is so refreshing, especially on warm summer days.

    Is Quinoa Good for You?

    There are several healthy aspects to quinoa. Here are a few highlights:

    • Protein: Quinoa is a complete protein source. That means it contains all nine essential amino acids. This makes it an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans.
    • Fiber: Quinoa is higher in dietary fiber than white rice.
    • Nutrients: Quinoa is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and folate.
    • Lower glycemic Index: It has a lower glycemic index compared to white rice. This means it may have a smaller impact on blood sugar levels.
    overhead view of Quinoa Salad inn white bowl with parsley in background

    🍽️ More Quinoa Recipes

    If you love quinoa, you'll love reading about impressive ways to use it in this article as well as trying it in these recipes:

    • Quinoa Lentil Burgers
    • Sweet Potatoes, Lentils Quinoa Lunch Plate
    • Quinoa Cookies-Cake
    quinoa salad with mix of colorful veggies

    Best Quinoa Salad

    With a gorgeous combination of colors and textures, this fluffy Quinoa Salad is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. It's the perfect holiday or potluck side dish.
    5 from 45 votes
    Author: Julianne
    Servings 8
    Print Pin
    Save Recipe Saved!
    PREP 10 minutes mins
    COOK 15 minutes mins
    TOTAL 25 minutes mins

    Ingredients
     

    For the Salad

    • 1 ½ cups uncooked quinoa
    • 2 ¾ cups water
    • 15 ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1 cup edamame
    • 1 cup cooked corn
    • ½ cup pomegranate seeds
    • ⅓ cup red onion, diced
    • ⅓ cup pine nuts, toasted
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    For the Dressing

    • ½ cup olive oil
    • ¼ cup lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons honey, or Agave, if Vegan
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1 garlic clove
    • pinch of salt and pepper

    Instructions
     

    To Make the Quinoa

    • Add the water to a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
    • Take the quinoa and rinse it under cold water for a few minutes. You’re rinsing off the saponin, which takes the bitterness out of the quinoa. Then pour it into boiling water and add the salt. Turn the heat down to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the water has been absorbed and is cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the germ has separated from the seed.
    • Remove it from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes, covered, while you prepare the dressing and other ingredients.

    To Make the Dressing

    • Add all of the dressing ingredients in to a bullet blender or small mixing bowl.
    • Either blend (if using bullet blender) or whisk until well combined, then set aside. Get the rest of your salad ingredients ready to add to the quinoa.

    To Assemble the Quinoa Salad

    • Remove the lid from the saucepan and fluff it up using a fork.
    • Transfer the quinoa to a large serving bowl.
    • Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, corn, red onion, edamame, pomegranate, pine nuts and parsley over the top of the quinoa.
    • Pour the dressing over the top, toss and serve.

    *Make sure to scroll up and read the post for substitutions, additions and helpful tips for making this recipe.

    Course Salad
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Calories 380kcal
    Nutrition Facts
    Best Quinoa Salad
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    380
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    21
    g
    32
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    19
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    39
    g
    13
    %
    Fiber
     
    7
    g
    29
    %
    Sugar
     
    5
    g
    6
    %
    Protein
     
    11
    g
    22
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Rate this Recipe

    *Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol: Swerve, Erythritol, Monk Fruit or Allulose.

    © Copyright for Nutritious Deliciousness. Please use the share buttons to share on social media, but please do not copy/paste the recipe.

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 45 votes (45 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Comment or Review Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Julianne

    I'm Julianne, welcome! Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice great flavor.  I offer deliciously nutritious recipes that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied, with the occasional indulgence!

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Footer

    •PRIVACY POLICY

    •AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

    •ABOUT

    •CONTACT

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Copyright © 2025 Nutritious Deliciousness

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.