Triple Q Quinoa Salad
A protein-packed Mediterranean salad with quinoa, chickpeas, and zesty citrus dressing, ready in 20 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired salads (high-protein, dairy-free) ready in about 10 minutes pairs cooked and cooled quinoa, (15 oz), drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber 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 300 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, cooked and cooled quinoa
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed chickpeas
- 1/2 cup, diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup, diced red onion
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cooled cooked quinoa, 1 can drained chickpeas, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup diced red onion.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to form a dressing.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over quinoa mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Triple Q Quinoa Salad take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Triple Q Quinoa Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked and cooled quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Triple Q Quinoa Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Triple Q Quinoa Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Triple Q Quinoa Salad high-protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein, dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
