This Quinoa Salad has been my favorite since college. It has fluffy quinoa, crisp veggies, and the lemon dressing I add to everything.
I’ve shared plenty of quinoa salad recipes over the years, including Greek Quinoa Salad, Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad, and Citrus Quinoa Salad.
Author’s Notes
Quinoa and I Go Way Back
I still remember being in college when I first started hearing about quinoa. I even had to Google how to say it (keen-wah!). After learning about it in a nutrition class and getting a little too excited, I bought a giant bag from Costco.
Since that bag was a bit of a splurge on my tight college budget, I was determined not to waste a single grain. I figured out the best way to cook it (don’t skip the steaming time!) and started adding it to everything.
Years later, when I started this blog, some of the very first recipes I shared were my go-to quinoa creations. And this salad? This was the one I made the most. It’s my perfect quinoa salad—tossed with my favorite veggies and finished with my all-time favorite lemon dressing.
Ingredient Spotlight and Easy Swaps
| Ingredient | Why It Shines | Simple Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Quinoa | It’s light and fluffy with a delicious nutty and slightly sweet flavor | Brown rice or farro |
| Avocado | For the best creaminess | Shelled edamame |
| Baby Spinach | For a more well rounded salad | A spring lettuce mix (baby greens) |
| Red Onion | For a sharp flavor | Green onion, shallot, or chives (if you hate onions, leave it out entirely!) |
Perfect Quinoa 101
- Toast quinoa in a dry pot for two minutes for more flavor (optional but it’s so worth it).
- Rinse the grains in a fine mesh sieve if it isn’t pre-rinsed. Here’s why.
- Simmer one cup quinoa in two cups water with salt. Don’t skip the salt!
- Steam off the heat for 10-15 minutes with the lid on.
- Fluff with a fork
- Cool quicker by spreading it out on a sheet pan and popping in the fridge.
Storage
Make-Ahead Quinoa Salad
- Keep quinoa, chopped veg, and dressing in separate containers for up to three days.
- Slice avocado at the last minute or toss cubes in lemon juice to slow browning.
- For mason-jar lunches, layer dressing at the bottom, then quinoa, veggies, and greens on top.
- Leftover dressing may separate and firm up in the fridge since olive oil solidifies when cold. Let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes, then shake well.
More Quinoa Recipes:
Quinoa Salad Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked white quinoa
- 1-1/2 cups (8 ounces) cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
- 1-1/2 cups English cucumber cut into half moons
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 7-1/2 cups (5 ounces) fresh baby spinach coarsely chopped
- 2 large ripe avocados chopped
- 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro or parsley, optional
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
- 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 large lemon
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Here's how to cook quinoa (click the link).
- Zest a lemon to get 1/2 tsp & juice to get 3 tablespoons. Add all dressing ingredients to a mason jar. Season to taste (I add 1/2 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp pepper). Shake well until combined. Store in the fridge while prepping the salad.
- Halve or quarter the tomatoes, chop the cucumbers, finely dice the red onion, roughly chop the spinach, and chop the avocado and herbs (if using).
- In a large bowl, mix completely cooled quinoa and chopped spinach. Add tomatoes, cucumber, onion, avocado, and, if using, feta and herbs.If serving the same day: Add dressing to taste (as little or as much as you'd like).If meal prepping: Only dress the portion you plan to eat that day (see storage note below). Toss to combine, then taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve right away.
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Quinoa Salad Serving Ideas
- Spoon into lettuce cups for a fork-free lunch.
- Serve beside Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs or Ground Beef Quesadillas for an easy dinner.
- Pile into a grain bowl with roasted sweet potatoes.
- Wrap in a tortilla with extra feta for a quick lunch or snack.
Variations
Switch Things Up!
- Mediterranean: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and extra feta.
- Southwest: Add black beans, charred corn, and use this cilantro lime dressing.
- Winter Version: Add in roasted butternut squash and dried cranberries.
- Protein Boost: Toss in some grilled chicken, blackened shrimp, or air fryer chickpeas on top.
Quinoa Salad FAQs
Yes—cook the quinoa, prepare the dressing, and chop the veggies (except avocado) up to 3 days ahead. Store each part separately, then add fresh avocado and dressing right before eating.
Cold. Chill the quinoa first for the best texture.
Salt the cooking water, then let the grains soak up a really great dressing—like this lemon one!
Naturally yes, but check labels for “certified GF” to avoid cross-contamination.
Best within 2-3 hours. Keep dressing separate if you need it to stay crisp longer.
Reader’s Notes & Tips
Tips & Variations from Chelsea’s Messy Apron’s Community
From real comments from readers:
- Family-Friendly: Jenna’s husband and kids devoured it. Donna’s husband, a quinoa skeptic, had seconds.
- No Avocado? Jo skipped it and said feta and spinach made up for it.
- Beginner-Approved: Penelope made it for Christmas and everyone loved it.
- Dressing is Everything: Onyi and Craig say the Dijon makes it.
- Flexible Veggies: Rachel used broccoli and green onions. Tania used less spinach and fewer avocados.
- Doubles Well: Tania and Dawn made big batches for groups.
- Feta-Free Works: Logan and Anna left out feta and still loved it.
- Great for Meal Prep: Christine and Mary pack it for lunch. Sean liked it even more the next day.
- Pair with Protein: Linda & Joe served it with fish. Morgan used halloumi. Anna added chicken.
I made this recipe tonight after looking for something to go with lamb backstraps. Not only was I impressed with it, but my partner raved about how lovely it was too. This being a bonus.
Unfortunately my avocado was not ripe enough to use, but with the feta and spinach went unnoticed.
Dressing was beautiful and didn’t over do it, just for taste and texture. Can’t wait for leftovers for lunch tomorrow!
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much Jo! 🙂
I’m not a confident cook, and made this for Xmas day – everyone loved it – Phew! Thankyou!! – Penny
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much Penny! 🙂
Total crowd pleaser – one of my most shared recipes. You can play around with the veggies but the dressing, and addition of fresh herbs is essential.
Yay! So happy you loved! And definitely can play around with it a bit! 🙂
Don’t skip the step if making crispy quinoa topper! It’s easy and really make the salad so extra!
I’ve made this a half a dozen times and it has been a hit every time. I’ve tried blueberry vinegar and sirracha honey vinegar. Both were delish. I’ve also added walnuts. Thanks!
Delish! I am so happy to hear how much you are loving this recipe! Thanks Craig! 🙂
This is PHENOMENAL! So tasty and and filling. I added raw chopped broccoli and used green onion instead of red. I omitted spinach because I didn’t have it. Delicious!
Delish! I’m so glad you enjoyed!
So I’m one of those who wouldn’t usually comment on a recipe, but I have to make an exception for this one! Second time making this salad batch this week and it’s only Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. I thought it was great the first time but being one who’s pretty adventurous with recipes, I bookmarked this one and thought I’d check out another recipe the second time around. Well, turns the other two recipes had “something” missing in the taste of the dressing. I had to quickly come back here 🙂
The Dijon mustard makes a lot of difference and like another comment said, I didn’t even think I liked mustard.
Thank you, Chelsea, for a very fresh, tangy and all-round-delicious quinoa salad recipe. From my very delighted taste buds. Now off for another scoop 😀
This comment made my day! So glad you are loving this salad! And I completely agree, I tested this dressing for days and the dijon is key! 🙂
Loved this salad. I doubled the recipe for 8 people, using a lot less spinach and only two avocados, which were still plentiful. A great salad for a special lunch, packed with protein and nutrients. Or a nice dinner, with or without chicken thrown in. I thought I wouldn’t like the dressing as I’m not fond of mustard, but it was great!
Thrilled you enjoyed this! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment 🙂
Loved this salad. I doubled the recipe for 8 people, using a lot less spinach and only two avocados, which were still plentiful. A great salad for a special lunch, packed with protein and nutrients. Or a nice dinner, with or without chicken thrown in. I thought I woudn’t like the dressing as I’m not fond of mustard, but it was great!
Is there something with which I can substitute the honey in the dressing? Thanks! Looking forward to trying.
You could try agave or maple syrup (I haven’t tried either but assume they’d do okay)