A Burst of Freshness Awaits
Imagine a salad that’s not just a sidekick but a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. Welcome the Incredible High-Protein Quinoa Salad! It’s vibrant, refreshing, and packed with protein, making it the perfect meal for lunch or dinner. Better yet, it comes together in a snap—who doesn’t love a quick recipe that’s also a feast for the senses?
Why Make This Recipe
Let’s be honest—who has time for complicated dishes? This salad is a breeze to make, offering easy cleanup and even easier enjoyment. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your own hungry self, it’s family-friendly and equally fabulous chilled or at room temperature. Plus, you get to feel all virtuous while enjoying a bowl of yum. Win-win!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Get your chef hat on, and let’s whip this up in just a few simple steps:
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, black beans, red onion, and parsley.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Make Incredible High-Protein Quinoa Salad (Overview)
Creating this salad is easier than figuring out what to watch on Netflix (seriously). Start by rinsing the quinoa like it just rolled in dirt—clean, clean, clean! Once it’s fluffy, toss it into a bowl with all those colorful veggies and beans. Pro tip: Don’t skip whisking the dressing separately! It really helps bring all those flavors together.
How to Serve Incredible High-Protein Quinoa Salad
This salad’s dazzling colors—greens, reds, and yellows—will have your table looking like a feast. Serve it in a large bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of additional olive oil. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal, or enjoy its crunchy goodness as a side dish. The aroma of fresh lemon mingling with the herbs is simply divine!
How to Store Incredible High-Protein Quinoa Salad
Leftovers? No problem! This salad stays fresh in the fridge for about 3–5 days. Just pop it in an airtight container. If you want to make it ahead, prepare the quinoa and veggies separately to keep them fresh. As for reheating, it’s best served cold, but if you prefer warm, toss it in a pan for a quick refresh.
Tips to Make Incredible High-Protein Quinoa Salad
- Watch the quinoa: Make sure to cook it just until fluffy; no one likes mushy quinoa!
- Swap ingredients: Got other veggies? Zucchini or carrots can mix in beautifully.
- Add crunch: Toss in some nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition.
- Flavor boost: Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld—if you can wait that long!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Add some avocado for creaminess or throw in some feta cheese for a salty kick. Want it spicy? Toss in some jalapeños or drizzle with a spicy vinaigrette for that extra zing.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! It’s already vegan-friendly, so enjoy it without worry!
2. How can I make this salad ahead of time?
Prep the quinoa and chop your veggies the night before, but mix with the dressing only when you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh.
3. Can I freeze the quinoa salad?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the quinoa separately. Just remember to thaw it and enjoy the salad fresh for the best flavor!
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Incredible High-Protein Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
For the salad
- 1 cup quinoa Rinse before cooking.
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth Use vegetable broth for added flavor.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced Provides crunch.
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed Adds protein and fiber.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped For flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Fresh herbs enhance flavor.
For the dressing
- 1 Juice of 1 lemon Fresh lemon juice preferred.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin for richness.
- to taste teaspoon Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy.
Mixing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, black beans, red onion, and parsley.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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