Name: Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ½ cup uncooked quinoa; 1 cup water; ½ cup chopped baby spinach; ½ cup chopped cherry tomatoes; ⅓ cup diced red onion; 2 ripe avocados, chopped or sliced; ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 Tablespoons lemon juice; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 32 reviews

If you’re craving a delicious, nutritious, and refreshing dish that comes together in no time, this Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant medley of fluffy quinoa, crisp spinach, juicy tomatoes, sharp red onion, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a simple lemon dressing that makes each bite burst with flavor. Perfect for a healthy lunch, a colorful side dish, or a light dinner, this salad balances texture and taste effortlessly while being incredibly wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds five separate layers of ingredients arranged in neat sections. On the top left, there are bright green chunks of avocado. To the right of the avocado, finely diced purple onion creates a small pile. Next to the onion, cooked beige quinoa forms a soft mound. Below the quinoa, fresh, shredded dark green spinach leaves lie in a small pile. To the left of the spinach, there are small, shiny, red and yellow cherry tomato pieces. In front of the tomatoes, white crumbled cheese adds a soft texture. A wooden spoon rests on the right side of the bowl near the spinach. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this salad lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing its own unique flair to the dish. These simple staples make sure that every scoop of your quinoa salad is a crowd-pleaser with bursts of freshness, creaminess, and zest.

½ cup uncooked quinoa: The fluffy base that soaks up all the flavors and adds a lovely nutty texture.
1 cup water: Essential to cook the quinoa perfectly tender and light.
½ cup chopped baby spinach: Adds a fresh green color and an earthy vibrance to each bite.
½ cup chopped cherry tomatoes: Juicy pops of sweetness that brighten the salad instantly.
⅓ cup diced red onion: For a slight bite and sharpness that cuts through the richness.
2 Tablespoons lemon juice: The zesty, tangy dressing component that brings the whole salad to life.
2 Tablespoons olive oil: Smooths out the lemon’s acidity and adds a hint of richness.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Ideal to enhance and balance all the flavors.
¼ teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a subtle kick for depth.
2 ripe avocados, chopped or sliced: Creamy and dreamy, they add luxurious texture to every forkful.
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese: Salty and tangy, it complements the other ingredients with a delightful finish.

How to Make Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Start by rinsing and draining the quinoa under cold water to remove any natural bitterness. Then, combine the quinoa and water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the quinoa absorbs all the water and becomes tender. Fluff it gently with a fork and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before proceeding. This step can be done ahead of time to save you even more prep on the day you want to serve the salad.

Step 2: Mix the Fresh Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped baby spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. This combination creates a lively mix of colors and textures that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and ground pepper in a small bowl until fully blended. The dressing is simple but crucial—it enhances the salad’s natural flavors with a bright and balanced zing.

Step 4: Toss and Add Avocados

Gently fold the lemon dressing into the quinoa mixture to coat everything evenly. Finally, add the creamy chunks or slices of ripe avocado, folding them in carefully to keep their lovely smooth texture intact.

Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can serve this salad right away for a fresh, room-temperature bite or refrigerate it for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld beautifully. If chilling, it’s best to add the avocado just before serving to avoid browning and keep everything looking fresh.

How to Serve Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe

A light salad served in a white bowl with a smooth, slightly speckled texture, sitting on a white marbled surface and accompanied by a mustard yellow cloth. The salad has three main layers: a base of fluffy pale yellow quinoa grains, mixed with bright green avocado chunks and chopped fresh leafy herbs, scattered with small red cherry tomato halves and bits of purple onion. The top layer is dotted with white crumbled cheese, giving a crumbly texture contrast. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a scattering of toasted pine nuts adds an extra touch of aroma and crunch. You could also add a few lemon wedges on the side for guests who want an extra splash of citrus brightness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even falafel for a complete meal. It can also accompany a hearty sandwich or wrap to add a healthy, colorful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or in mini mason jars for an elegant and portable option. For a picnic or potluck, layering the salad in a clear glass dish shows off all those beautiful colors and makes for an inviting presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Store the avocado separately if you plan to keep leftovers to prevent it from browning and turning mushy.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and avocado, this quinoa salad is not ideal for freezing as the texture would be compromised. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, bring it to room temperature from the fridge for the best flavor and texture experience.

FAQs

Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Absolutely! While this is an Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe, you can substitute quinoa with couscous, bulgur, or even brown rice for a slightly different texture but comparable heartiness.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative, or add nuts and seeds to keep that satisfying bite.

How long does the salad stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, but adding avocado just before serving is key to maintaining its best quality.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu are excellent options to boost the protein content and make the salad more filling.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Just prepare the quinoa in advance, chop your veggies, and mix them together when ready. Remember to add avocado at the last minute to keep it fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe is a true gem — simple to prepare, packed with nutritious ingredients, and bursting with fresh flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a healthy side, or a light dinner, this salad can become one of your go-to dishes. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll brighten up your mealtime and maybe even become your new favorite!