Easy Quinoa Salad

This quinoa salad recipe is as delicious as it is nutritious. 

How to Make Quinoa Salad

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Quinoa Salad Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this healthy quinoa salad recipe: 

• Quinoa and water: Cook one cup of quinoa in two cups of water, 
• Oil: The dressing starts with extra-virgin olive oil. 
• Limes: The juice of two limes adds brightness to the salad.
• Seasonings: Season the quinoa salad with ground cumin, salt, red pepper flakes, fresh cilantro, and black pepper. 
• Cherry tomatoes and green onions: Halved cherry tomatoes and chopped green onions give the quinoa salad pops of color.
• Black beans: You’ll need a drained can of black beans for this protein-packed quinoa salad. 

How Do You Make Quinoa Salad?  

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this homemade quinoa salad: 

1. Cook the quinoa. 
2. Make the dressing. 
3. Combine the quinoa with the tomatoes, black beans, and green onions.
4. Toss the salad with the dressing, then stir in the remaining ingredients. 

Test Kitchen Tips

“Quinoa salad is the perfect side dish to make when you’re looking for something different,” according to culinary developer Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom). Here are some of her best quinoa salad tips: 

• “When it comes to cooking our quinoa, the same ratio applies as it does to rice (two parts water to one part grain),” according to Nicole. “The difference is that we can bring them to a boil together.” 
• You’ll know the quinoa is done when it swells and begins to burst slightly, Nicole says. 
• “Quinoa itself doesn’t have a ton of flavor,” says Nicole. “But it takes on whatever flavors you add in. That’s why I like to be generous when dressing quinoa salad.”

How to Store Quinoa Salad

Store the quinoa salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about five days. 

Can You Freeze Quinoa Salad? 

Yes! You can freeze the quinoa salad for up to six months. Thaw the salad in the refrigerator overnight. 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“My new favorite quinoa recipe,” says Jennifer Gidcumb Hall. “I like it best chilled, especially after flavors have time to really set in.”

“I make this recipe exactly as written and have for years,” according to Chris. “I love it hot or cold. Occasionally, I will add some cooked chicken, but that’s it! Perfect just as-is.”

“Very good, light, and delicious,” raves Cheri. “I didn't change a thing and would make again.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams