Looking for a fresh, healthy, and effortless meal idea? This easy quinoa salad recipe with lemon dressing might just become your go-to. It’s light, bright, and packed with nutrients—plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes!
Have you ever made a salad so good, you craved it the next day? This one hits that mark.
🥗 Why You’ll Love This Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe
- Ready in 25 minutes
- Great for meal prep or quick lunches
- Gluten-free, vegetarian, and super satisfying
- Zesty homemade lemon dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything
🧠 Fun Fact: Quinoa is a complete protein—containing all 9 essential amino acids. Perfect for plant-based eaters!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Lemon Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
🍋 How to Make This Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
- Rinse quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
- Combine quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Dijon mustard
- Honey (if using)
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped veggies, and parsley.
- Drizzle with lemon dressing.
- Toss gently and top with feta if using.
💡 Tips for the Best Quinoa Salad
- Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing—it helps absorb the dressing better.
- Add avocado or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days (great for lunches!).
🔥 Mini Case Study: One of our readers added grilled shrimp to this salad and said it became their new weeknight favorite. Give it a try!
🌱 Variations You Can Try
Mediterranean Style
Add olives, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Mexican Twist
Swap lemon for lime, add black beans, corn, and diced avocado.
Protein Boost
Toss in grilled chicken, tofu, or roasted chickpeas.
Final Thoughts
This easy quinoa salad recipe is everything you want in a quick meal—simple to make, bursting with flavor, and super customizable. Whether you’re prepping for the week or throwing together a last-minute side, this dish delivers.
So go ahead, grab that lemon and get tossing. You might just start a new healthy habit.
