The Ultimate Ina Garten Quinoa Salad Recipe for Fresh Flavor

Quinoa salad bursts with vibrant flavors that transform simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

Some culinary creations sparkle with unexpected combinations and bright textures that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this refreshing dish that feels simultaneously light and satisfying.

Crisp vegetables add delightful crunch and color to the grain-based foundation.

Tangy herbs and zesty dressing elevate each carefully selected component into something extraordinary.

Each forkful promises a delicious journey through balanced, wholesome ingredients: prepare to be delighted.

What Makes Ina’s Quinoa Salad Work

Main Ingredients:

• Quinoa: Protein-packed, gluten-free grain with a light, nutty flavor and perfect fluffy texture when cooked.
• Water: Essential liquid for cooking quinoa to tender perfection.

• Chickpeas, Cucumber, Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Parsley: Crisp, colorful vegetables that add freshness, crunch, and vibrant nutrients to the salad.

• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth base that helps blend flavors and provides healthy fat.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy liquid that adds acidity and helps balance the salad.
• Vinegar: Additional acidic element that enhances overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings depth and zesty notes to the dressing.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer that helps balance and heighten the other ingredients' tastes.
• Black Pepper: Subtle spice that adds warmth and complexity to the final dish.

How to Make Fluffy, Well-Balanced Quinoa

Step 1: Cooking Fluffy Quinoa

• Quinoa
• Water

Bring to boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until water is completely absorbed. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Step 2: Chopping Fresh Vegetables

• Chickpeas
• Cucumber
• Bell pepper
• Red onion
• Fresh parsley

Set aside and prepare for flavor magic.

Step 3: Whisking Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• White wine vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Sea salt

Blend until ingredients create a smooth, tangy mixture.

Step 4: Combining Salad Elements

Add cooled quinoa to vegetable mixture. Pour dressing over top. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Season with black pepper and extra salt if needed. Let salad rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 5: Serving Delightful dish

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with extra herbs if desired. Enjoy your vibrant, nutritious quinoa salad!

Tips to Keep the Veggies Crisp

• Master Quinoa Rinsing: Remove the bitter saponin coating by thoroughly washing quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer, guaranteeing a clean, smooth flavor profile.
• Precision Chopping Technique: Create consistent, bite-sized vegetable pieces to ensure every forkful delivers a perfect balance of crunch and taste.
• Flavor Fusion Magic: Allow the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes after mixing, giving ingredients time to mingle and develop a more complex, harmonious taste.
• Herb Freshness Hack: Chop herbs just before adding to maintain maximum flavor and vibrant color, preventing wilting and preserving their essential oils.
• Temperature Serving Tip: Enjoy the salad slightly chilled or at room temperature to highlight the quinoa's nutty flavor and crisp vegetable textures.

Storage Advice for Grain-Based Salads

• Meal Prep Magic: Transfer the quinoa salad to individual airtight glass containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Separate dressing from salad in a small sealed compartment to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain crisp textures.
• Flavor Preservation: Store the salad in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf, to keep ingredients fresh and prevent rapid moisture loss. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess condensation and maintain optimal salad crispness.
• Temperature Control: Consume the salad within 3-4 days for maximum flavor and nutritional value. Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance ingredient flavors and restore natural texture.

Quinoa Salad Variations That Shine

• Mediterranean Quinoa Delight: Add crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired flavor profile. The salty cheese and tangy olives will elevate the original recipe's freshness.
• Protein-Packed Power Bowl: Incorporate grilled chicken or toasted almonds to boost protein content. These additions create a more substantial meal that keeps you energized throughout the day.
• Spicy Southwest Quinoa: Mix in diced jalapeños, black beans, and corn. Swap the original dressing for a zesty lime-cilantro vinaigrette that brings bold southwestern flavors to the classic quinoa salad.
• Autumn Harvest Quinoa: Replace bell peppers with roasted butternut squash, add dried cranberries, and sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top. Include a touch of maple syrup in the dressing for a warm, seasonal variation that celebrates fall ingredients.

Quinoa Salad Recap

Quinoa salad emerges as culinary magic wrapped in Mediterranean charm.

Garden-fresh ingredients dance across platters with Mediterranean grace.

Ina Garten’s recipe whispers complex flavor profiles through simple techniques.

Protein-packed quinoa mingles with crisp vegetables creating remarkable harmony.

Each forkful promises nutritional balance and sensory delight.

Savor this masterpiece, share its story, spark conversation, inspire kitchen creativity – you’ll become instant recipe ambassador among friends and family.

Why Quinoa Salad Is a Modern Favorite

• Boost Nutrition in Minutes: Packed with protein-rich quinoa and fiber-loaded chickpeas, this salad delivers a powerful nutritional punch that helps you feel energized and satisfied without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Fresh Mediterranean Flavor Explosion: Crisp cucumber, vibrant bell peppers, zesty lemon, and herbaceous parsley create a bright, tangy taste profile that transports your taste buds to a sunny Mediterranean coastline with every refreshing bite.
• Foolproof Meal Prep Champion: This incredibly simple recipe requires minimal cooking skills, takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, and can be made ahead of time – perfect for busy professionals, health-conscious eaters, and anyone seeking a delicious, no-stress meal solution.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Equally delightful served as a light lunch, potluck contribution, or side dish, this quinoa salad adapts effortlessly to different dining scenarios while maintaining its delectable appeal for vegetarians, health enthusiasts, and flavor lovers alike.

Ina Garten Quinoa Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s quinoa salad brings Mediterranean flavors together in a refreshing dish packed with herbs, feta, and roasted vegetables. Crisp cucumber, tangy lemon, and aromatic herbs create a light yet satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed in a fine-mesh colander
• 1 can (15 ounces | 425 grams) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas
• 1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

Vegetables and Herbs:

• ¾ cup chopped red onion (from 1 small red onion)
• 1 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley (from 1 large bunch)

Dressing and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice (from 2 to 3 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (starting with ¼ teaspoon)
• 2 cups water

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Instructions

1. Transform quinoa into a perfectly fluffy base by rinsing thoroughly, then combining with water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for approximately 15 to 17 minutes (15 milliliters / water per 60 grams / quinoa) until liquid is completely absorbed and grains appear translucent.
2. While quinoa cooks, prepare a vibrant vegetable medley. Dice crisp cucumber into uniform 1/2-inch cubes, slice bell peppers into thin strips, and finely chop red onion and fresh parsley. Drain and rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
3. Craft a zesty dressing by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Ensure ingredients are thoroughly emulsified for a smooth, cohesive flavor profile.
4. Allow cooked quinoa to cool for 5-7 minutes, preventing wilting of fresh herbs. Gently fold quinoa into vegetable mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and colors. Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, tossing delicately to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Let salad rest for 10-12 minutes at room temperature, allowing flavors to meld and develop complexity. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and additional salt if desired. Serve chilled or at ambient temperature as a refreshing, nutrient-dense meal.

Notes

• Mastering quinoa’s texture starts with a thorough cold water rinse, eliminating any bitter saponin residue.
• Precision in chopping creates a harmonious blend of cucumber, bell pepper, and onion, guaranteeing consistent flavor in every forkful.
• Patience transforms this salad as resting time allows ingredients to communicate and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Fresh herbs like mint or parsley can elevate the dish’s brightness, adding a burst of aromatic freshness.
• Experiment with lemon or lime juice to introduce a zesty tang that complements the quinoa’s nutty undertones.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg