Best Buy-Inspired Quinoa Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-02 · Updated 2026-04-02

A vibrant quinoa salad with roasted veggies, tangy lime dressing, and a crunch of toasted almonds for a healthy side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 65 minutes pairs uncooked quinoa, head, cut into florets broccoli, medium, julienned carrots into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup, uncooked quinoa
• 1 head, cut into florets broccoli
• 2 medium, julienned carrots
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup, toasted almonds
• 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then let cool.
2. Step 2: Toss broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper with olive oil. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa with roasted veggies, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup cilantro. Garnish with toasted almonds and remaining lime juice for brightness.