Fresh & Lively: Whole Foods California Quinoa Salad Recipe

Sun-drenched California brings a vibrant twist to this quinoa salad that bursts with fresh, colorful ingredients.

Packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this wholesome Whole Foods California quinoa salad recipe captures the essence of clean, nutritious eating.

Crisp vegetables mingle with perfectly cooked quinoa, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each forkful delivers a delightful blend of protein-rich grains and zesty seasonings that dance across your palate.

The ingredients come together effortlessly, making this salad a go-to option for quick, healthy meals.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will sparkle with this nutritious and delicious creation that feels both light and satisfying.

Let’s find out this recipe and savor a taste of California fresh, wholesome culinary spirit.

How to Make a Fresh Quinoa Salad with Crunch

• Quinoa Cleansing

Rinse quinoa carefully under cool water using a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating. Cook according to package directions until fluffy and light, then spread on a plate to cool quickly.

• Salad Blend

Toss together the cooled quinoa with vibrant, fresh ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Create a harmonious mixture that combines textures and flavors from crisp vegetables and herbs.

• Seasoning Magic

Sprinkle a touch of sea salt and cracked black pepper to enhance the natural flavors. Gently mix everything to ensure each bite is perfectly balanced and delicious.

• Serving Style

Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment. Refrigerate any remaining portions and consume within a few days for optimal freshness.

Tips for Balanced Flavor and Texture

• Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch and nutty depth that elevates the entire salad's texture and taste.
• Toss in grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crumbled feta cheese to transform this light salad into a more substantial meal that keeps you satisfied longer.
• Feel free to swap out fresh herbs or vegetables based on what's available. Experiment with seasonal produce like summer corn, winter squash, or spring asparagus to keep the recipe exciting and fresh.
• This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Prepare it the night before for an even more delicious lunch or dinner option that saves you time and develops richer taste profiles.

Serving California Quinoa Salad for Lunch or Picnics

• Refreshing Summer Lunch Plate: Serve this quinoa salad as a light, nutritious midday meal alongside grilled chicken or fish for a protein-packed dining experience.
• Mediterranean Picnic Companion: Pack this salad in portable containers for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or park lunches, providing a cool and satisfying meal that travels well.
• Colorful Appetizer Presentation: Arrange the salad in small decorative glasses or on individual appetizer plates, garnishing with extra herbs or a sprinkle of feta cheese to create an elegant starter for dinner parties or potlucks.
• Wholesome Meal Prep Option: Prepare larger batches in advance for quick weekday lunches, storing in sealed containers to enjoy a fresh, healthy meal throughout the week without additional daily cooking.

Storing Quinoa Salad Without Soggy Greens

• Refrigeration Rhythm: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping its fresh flavors and crisp texture intact. Separate the dressing if possible to maintain the quinoa's perfect texture.
• Advance Prep Magic: Chop vegetables and cook quinoa ahead of time, storing components separately in sealed containers. This strategy saves precious minutes during busy weekdays and ensures quick meal assembly.
• Temperature Tricks: Serve chilled for a refreshing summer meal or let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften ingredients and blend flavors beautifully before serving.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Pack individual portions in mason jars or meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches. Layer ingredients strategically to prevent sogginess and maintain optimal taste and crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 9

Whole Foods California Quinoa Salad Ingredients

• Quinoa: Protein-packed grain that provides a nutty texture and hearty foundation for the salad, choose organic for best flavor and nutrition.
• Edamame: Vibrant green soybeans that add creamy protein and delightful crunch, select bright green and plump pods.
• Mango: Sweet tropical fruit bringing sunshine and juicy brightness, pick ripe fruits with slight give when pressed.
• Red Bell Pepper: Crisp vegetable adding vivid color and sweet crunch, look for firm peppers with glossy skin.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds fresh herbaceous notes and pleasant texture, choose peppers without blemishes.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp, zesty flavor and beautiful purple color, select firm onions with smooth skin.

• Coconut Flakes: Adds tropical sweetness and delicate texture, choose unsweetened for pure flavor.
• Almonds: Delivers rich nutty crunch and healthy fats, select fresh, crisp slivered or sliced nuts.
• Raisins: Introduces natural sweetness and chewy contrast, pick plump and glossy dried fruits.

• Lime: Bright citrus that awakens flavors and provides tangy freshness, choose firm fruits with vibrant green color.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds complex depth and slight sweetness, select high-quality aged vinegar.
• Cilantro: Introduces fresh herbal notes, select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance overall flavor profile.

Tools for Prepping California-Style Quinoa Salad

• Fine Mesh Strainer: Perfect for rinsing quinoa, ensuring clean grains.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Fork: Helps separate quinoa grains and mix ingredients gently.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate portioning of quinoa and other ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Sharp Knife: Helps chop any additional ingredients with precision.

Vibrant Whole Foods California Quinoa Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Whole Foods California quinoa salad combines fresh ingredients with zesty Mediterranean flavors. Crisp vegetables and tangy dressing create a refreshing protein-packed meal you’ll crave for lunch or dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (237 ml/8 fl oz) uncooked quinoa
• 1.5 cups (355 ml/12 fl oz) edamame (thawed if frozen)
• 1 mango (peeled and diced)
• 0.5 red bell pepper (diced small)
• 0.5 green bell pepper (diced small)
• 1 small red onion (diced small)
• 0.75 cup (177 ml/6 fl oz) unsweetened coconut flakes
• 0.75 cup (177 ml/6 fl oz) sliced or slivered almonds
• 0.5 cup (118 ml/4 fl oz) raisins
• 2 tbsps (30 ml/1 fl oz) fresh chopped cilantro
• 2 limes (zested and juiced)
• 0.25 cup (59 ml/2 fl oz) balsamic vinegar
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Quinoa Cleansing: Thoroughly rinse quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to eliminate its inherent bitter coating, ensuring a clean, pure base for the salad.
2. Quinoa Preparation: Cook quinoa in a pot with water, maintaining a 2:1 liquid-to-grain ratio, simmering until the grains become translucent, tender, and have absorbed all moisture, then transfer to a large mixing bowl and gently fluff with a fork.
3. Ingredient Integration: Carefully fold all prepped components into the cooled quinoa, ensuring an even distribution of flavors, textures, and visual appeal throughout the salad.
4. Seasoning Refinement: Delicately sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to create a harmonious flavor balance that complements the ingredients.
5. Flavor Melding: Allow the salad to rest for 15-20 minutes, permitting the ingredients to intermingle and develop a more cohesive, nuanced taste profile.
6. Serving and Storage: Present the salad chilled or at ambient temperature, and preserve any remaining portions in a sealed container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its fresh, vibrant character.

Notes

• Rinse Thoroughly: Remove quinoa’s bitter saponin coating by meticulously washing under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to ensure clean, pure flavor.
• Perfect Cooking Technique: Use precise 2:1 water to quinoa ratio, simmering until grains become translucent and tender for optimal texture and taste.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow quinoa to rest and cool for 10-15 minutes after cooking, fluffing with a fork to release steam and prevent clumping.
• Flavor Fusion Time: Let salad sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to blend and develop a more complex, harmonious taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg