This Quinoa Salad is super refreshing and light yet still tasty and filling! It is easy to make, versatile, meal prep friendly, and most importantly not boring. Prep this salad in advance, store it an airtight container and you will have a healthy lunch that you can just grab and go, or take with you to school or work throughout the week.
What ingredients do you need to make this Quinoa Salad?
quinoa - We're using quinoa as the base of this salad. I used white organic quinoa, but feel free to use any other kind of quinoa you like. Quinoa can be found at any grocery store these days at the grains section.
fresh parsley - I love using fresh herbs in salads like this because they add just the right amount of freshness and flavor. You can also use fresh dill or even mint.
chickpeas - They help make this salad actually filling since chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein.
walnuts - Adds a different textural element, which is key for every good salad.
sesame oil & fresh lemon juice - You don't always need a fancy dressing to make a tasty salad. A bit of sesame oil along with the lemon juice for a touch of freshness is all you'll need.
red onion or leek - Use whichever you have on hand, they both work great.
veggies - I used cherry tomatoes in this salad but feel free to switch it up and use any seasonal fresh veggies you like or have on hand. Bell pepper and/or cucumber work great too.
olives - Green olives are my favorite but black or Kalamata olives would be just as good in this salad.
Looking for more easy and fresh salads like this? I got you!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup quinoa, uncooked
handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
400g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
60g green olives, halved
1 red onion or leek, diced or thinly sliced
200g cherry tomatoes, halved
handful of walnuts, roughly chopped
drizzle of sesame oil
salt and pepper to taste
juice of a small lemon
Instructions:
Wash the quinoa until the water runs clear then cook according to package instructions. Cover with a lid and set aside.
In the meantime prep the rest of the ingredients, if you haven't done so already. Drain and rinse the can of chickpeas. Chop the cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, red onion or leek, olives, and walnuts.
Add your cooked quinoa to a mixing bowl, along with every other ingredient but the walnuts. Season with salt and pepper then drizzle with sesame oil and add fresh lemon juice. Mix to combine everything.
Serve cold, top with walnuts, and enjoy!
Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Tiktok @plantiful_life and leave a comment below!
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