Ina Garten Quinoa Salad is made with quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, flat-leaf parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. This easy Quinoa Salad recipe creates a healthy salad that takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.
? Why You’ll Love This Quinoa Salad Recipe:
- Fresh and Vibrant Flavors: The combination of fresh parsley, lemon juice, and crisp vegetables gives this salad a refreshing taste that’s perfect for any season.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Quinoa is packed with protein and fiber, making this salad both filling and good for you.
- Versatile Dish: This salad is perfect as a side dish or can be a main course on its own, making it versatile for various meals and occasions.
- Easy to Prepare: The recipe is straightforward, with simple steps and common ingredients that are easy to find.
- Great for Meal Prep: This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it ideal for preparing meals ahead of time.
? Ina Garten Quinoa Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed in a fine-mesh colander
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas
- 1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- ¾ cup chopped red onion (from 1 small red onion)
- 1 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley (from 1 large bunch)
- 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 1/4 teaspoon)
? How To Make Ina Garten Quinoa Salad
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes to fluff.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and parsley. Set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, and salt until well blended.
- Assemble the Salad: Once the quinoa is mostly cool, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is well mixed. Season with black pepper and additional salt to taste. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
? Recipe Tips:
- Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Before cooking, rinse the quinoa well in a fine-mesh colander under cold water. This removes the saponin coating, which can make the quinoa taste bitter.
- Dice Vegetables Uniformly: Cut the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion into small, even pieces. This ensures each bite has a balanced flavor and texture.
- Let the Salad Rest: After mixing the salad, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
? What To Serve With Quinoa Salad?
This healthy Quinoa Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or baked fish. It can also be served alongside steamed green beans, roasted carrots, sautéed spinach, or a fresh fruit salad for a healthy and delicious meal.
? How To Store Leftovers Quinoa Salad?
- In the Fridge: Keep the salad in a container that closes tightly in the fridge. It will be good for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: It’s best not to freeze this salad. Freezing can change the texture of the vegetables and quinoa.
FAQ’S
Can I Use Canned Chickpeas Instead Of Cooking Them From Scratch?
Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. Just make sure to rinse them well to remove any preservatives and reduce sodium.
Is There A Substitute For Red Wine Vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute if red wine vinegar is not available.
What If The Quinoa Looks Too Wet After Cooking?
If the quinoa is too wet, let it sit uncovered for a few extra minutes, or fluff it with a fork to let excess moisture escape.
How Long Should I Let The Salad Sit Before Serving?
Letting the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together nicely, enhancing the taste.
Ina Garten Quinoa Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 10g
More Ina Garten Recipes:
- Ina Garten Snap Pea Salad
- Ina Garten Limoncello Fruit Salad
- Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad
- Ina Garten Feta Watermelon Salad
Ina Garten Quinoa Salad
Description
Ina Garten Quinoa Salad is made with quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, flat-leaf parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. This easy Quinoa Salad recipe creates a healthy salad that takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes to fluff.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and parsley. Set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, and salt until well blended.
- Assemble the Salad: Once the quinoa is mostly cool, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is well mixed. Season with black pepper and additional salt to taste. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Before cooking, rinse the quinoa well in a fine-mesh colander under cold water. This removes the saponin coating, which can make the quinoa taste bitter.
- Dice Vegetables Uniformly: Cut the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion into small, even pieces. This ensures each bite has a balanced flavor and texture.
- Let the Salad Rest: After mixing the salad, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.