This vegan quinoa salad is a colorful mix of fluffy quinoa, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing. It’s light, healthy, and super easy to make!
Perfect for lunch or a side dish, it’s like a party in a bowl! I love packing leftovers for lunch; they never taste boring. You’ll feel great enjoying this tasty treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Quinoa: This super grain is the star! It has a nutty flavor and is packed with protein. If you’re out of quinoa, try using couscous or bulgur for a different texture.
Beans: Kidney beans and chickpeas provide great protein and fiber. You could also use black beans or white beans if you prefer those flavors.
Bell Peppers: I love using red and yellow for their sweetness and color! Feel free to substitute with green bell pepper or even add in other veggies like corn or diced carrots for crunch.
Herbs: Fresh parsley and cilantro brighten up the salad. If you want something different, basil or dill can also work beautifully!
Vegan Feta: This ingredient adds creaminess to the salad. If you can’t find vegan feta, crumbled tofu or avocado can give a similar creamy texture.
How Do I Cook Quinoa Perfectly?
Cooking quinoa may seem tricky at first, but it’s pretty straightforward! Here’s how to make it fluffy every time:
- Start by rinsing your quinoa in cold water. This removes any bitterness.
- In a medium pot, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water or veggie broth for more flavor.
- Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Once done, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork before adding it to your salad!
This method ensures that your quinoa will be light and fluffy, perfect for mixing into your salad!
Vegan Quinoa Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup kidney beans, cooked or canned, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, cooked or canned, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup vegan feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Vegan Quinoa Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and needs an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, you’re looking at around 45 minutes in total—most of which is just waiting time for the flavors to blend beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Quinoa:
In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. After it’s cooked, remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with kidney beans, chickpeas, red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and cilantro. Gently mix them together to blend the colors and flavors nicely.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. This dressing brings a wonderful zest to the salad!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. If you’re using vegan feta cheese, now’s the time to fold it in for that creamy texture!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step helps the flavors meld together for that delicious burst in every bite! Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy this colorful and nutritious dish!
This Vegan Quinoa Salad is not only vibrant and flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect dish for any meal. Happy eating!
Can I Use Other Grains Instead of Quinoa?
Absolutely! You can swap quinoa for couscous, bulgur, or even brown rice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid according to the grain you choose.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover quinoa salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed chilled or can be quickly reheated if you prefer it warm.
Can I Make This Salad Gluten-Free?
This salad is already gluten-free as quinoa is a gluten-free grain. Just ensure any beans or added ingredients you use are also certified gluten-free!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
To amp up the flavor, consider adding diced avocado, olives, or roasted vegetables. A sprinkle of your favorite spices or a dash of hot sauce can also add a nice kick!
