Ina Garten Quinoa Salad

This Ina Garten Quinoa Salad is a fresh and healthy recipe, which uses quinoa and chickpeas. It’s a great low-carb dinner option, ready in about 40 minutes.

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

1. Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
2. Chop and mix vegetables: In a large bowl, mix chickpeas, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, and salt.
4. Combine salad: Once quinoa is mostly cool, add to the bowl with vegetables. Pour the dressing over and toss to combine. Season with black pepper and extra salt if needed.
5. Let it rest: Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.

Recipe Tips

• How to keep quinoa from tasting bitter:
  Always rinse it thoroughly in a fine-mesh colander to remove the natural coating called saponin.
• Can I make quinoa salad ahead of time?
  Yes, it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours. Store it in the fridge and toss again before serving.
• What veggies go well in quinoa salad?
  Cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley offer the best texture and flavor balance.
• How to make it more filling:
  Add grilled chicken, avocado, or feta cheese to boost protein and richness.

What To Serve With Quinoa Salad

This light and zesty salad pairs well with many main courses:

• Grilled salmon
• Lemon herb chicken
• Falafel and hummus
• Lamb skewers
• Stuffed bell peppers

How To Store Quinoa Salad

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.

Freeze:
Not recommended, as the fresh veggies lose their texture when thawed.

Quinoa Salad Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 350mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use canned quinoa?
Pre-cooked quinoa can save time—just ensure it’s well-drained and cooled before mixing.

Why is my quinoa mushy?
Too much water or overcooking can make quinoa soft. Stick to the 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio.

Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes, feta or goat cheese complements the flavors well.

How to make this salad vegan?
It already is vegan—just double-check your ingredients, especially dressings and any add-ins.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Apple Chutney
• Ina Garten Scallop Gratin
• Ina Garten Vegetable Pot Pie