Refreshing Whole Foods California Quinoa Salad Recipe Everyone Loves

California quinoa salad represents a delightful fusion of nutritious ingredients and bright, zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Lightweight grains mingle seamlessly with crisp seasonal produce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Mediterranean and southwestern influences shine through each carefully balanced bite, delivering remarkable depth and complexity.

Fresh herbs and a citrusy vinaigrette elevate this salad from ordinary to extraordinary, elevateing simple components into a remarkable culinary experience.

Southwest culinary traditions merge with health-conscious ingredients, making this dish both satisfying and nourishing.

A perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and vibrant seasonings ensures you’ll feel energized and content.

Why This Quinoa Salad Is the Best of California in a Bowl

• Boost Health Instantly: Packed with nutrient-dense quinoa, this salad delivers a powerful protein punch and essential fiber, supporting your overall wellness with every delicious bite.
• Effortless Culinary Magic: The simple preparation method makes this recipe perfect for busy individuals, requiring minimal cooking skills while producing restaurant-quality results in less than 30 minutes.
• Versatile Flavor Explosion: Combining fresh ingredients creates a vibrant, colorful dish that adapts beautifully to different meal occasions – from casual lunches to elegant potluck gatherings, satisfying various taste preferences with its balanced blend of textures and flavors.

What You’ll Need for This Fresh, Crunchy Superfood Salad

• Quinoa: Protein-packed grain with light, fluffy texture, best when rinsed before cooking.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the salad.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dish.

• Red Bell Pepper: Crisp vegetable providing sweet crunch and vibrant color.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor with delicate texture.
• Cucumber: Refreshing ingredient that adds coolness and hydration.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich oil that helps bind ingredients and adds healthy fats.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that brings freshness and balances other flavors.
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Cilantro): Aromatic herb that introduces a clean, green note to the salad.

How to Build This Bright, Flavor-Packed Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Rinse and Cook Quinoa

Thoroughly wash quinoa in a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating. Cook according to package instructions, typically using quinoa to water. Once cooked, spread quinoa on a plate and fluff with a fork to cool and separate grains.

Step 2: Gather and Prepare Salad Ingredients

• Fresh vegetables
• Herbs
• Protein options

Step 3: Mix Salad Components

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa with prepared ingredients. Gently toss to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Season and Dress

• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional dressing (olive oil, lemon juice)

Stir ingredients carefully to blend flavors thoroughly.

Step 5: Serve and Store

Serve salad chilled or at room temperature. Store any remaining salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best flavor, consume within 24 hours of preparation.

Salad Tips for a Zingy Vinaigrette and Fluffy Grains

• Rinse Thoroughly: Use cold water to wash quinoa, rubbing grains gently to remove the natural bitter coating called saponin.
• Cool Completely: Spread quinoa on a flat surface after cooking to help it cool faster and prevent clumping, ensuring each grain remains separate.
• Season Boldly: Taste and adjust seasoning gradually, adding salt and pepper in small increments to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
• Chill for Depth: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld together.
• Store Smartly: Keep salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, giving it a quick stir before serving to redistribute ingredients.

Keeping Quinoa Salad Fresh for Days

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of preparation. Keep the salad chilled for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and texture.
• Seal Tightly: Ensure the container is sealed completely to prevent moisture loss and preserve the quinoa's tenderness. Use glass or plastic containers with secure lids.
• Refresh Before Serving: Gently stir the salad before eating and add a splash of fresh lemon juice or olive oil to revive its original zesty taste. Avoid microwaving to keep the ingredients crisp and vibrant.

What to Pair with This Refreshing, Protein-Rich Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the light, refreshing quinoa salad with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines enhance the salad's bright flavors and provide a perfect balance to its fresh ingredients.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or seared salmon to add a protein boost. The salad's zesty profile will beautifully cut through the richness of the meat, creating a harmonious meal.
• Serve with Herbal Iced Tea: Cool down the dining experience with a mint or lemon-infused herbal iced tea. Its subtle sweetness and refreshing nature will elevate the quinoa salad's clean, wholesome taste without overwhelming the dish.
• Add Crunchy Accompaniment: Garnish with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds to introduce a delightful textural contrast. These nutty elements will provide a satisfying crunch that complements the quinoa's soft, fluffy texture.

Quinoa Salad Mix-Ins You’ll Want to Try Immediately

• Spicy Southwest Quinoa Salad: Add diced jalapeños, black beans, corn, and swap the dressing with a zesty lime-cilantro vinaigrette for a bold, southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herbed Quinoa Mix: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano to transport your taste buds to the Greek coastline.
• Protein-Packed Quinoa Power Bowl: Mix in grilled chicken or tofu, roasted chickpeas, and sprinkle with sunflower seeds for an extra protein boost that sustains energy throughout the day.
• Asian-Inspired Quinoa Fusion: Drizzle with sesame oil, add edamame, mandarin orange segments, and garnish with chopped green onions for a light, refreshing eastern-style variation.

Whole Foods California Quinoa Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

California quinoa salad brings Mediterranean-inspired freshness to your plate with zesty lemon and herb notes. Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a light, nutritious meal that delights your palate with each colorful forkful.

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Ingredients

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Salad Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 ml) uncooked quinoa
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) shelled edamame (thawed, if frozen)
• 1 mango (peeled and diced)
• 0.5 red bell pepper (diced small)
• 0.5 green bell pepper (diced small)

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 small red onion (diced small)
• 0.75 cup (177 ml) unsweetened coconut flakes
• 0.75 cup (177 ml) sliced or slivered almonds
• 0.5 cup (118 ml) raisins
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh chopped cilantro

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 limes (zested and juiced)
• 0.25 cup (59 ml) balsamic vinegar
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously rinse quinoa under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer to remove its natural saponin coating, which can taste bitter.
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions in a pot, using a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa (for example, water for quinoa), and simmer until liquid is absorbed and grains are translucent and tender.
3. Transfer cooked quinoa to a large mixing bowl and fluff with a fork, allowing it to cool and release steam for approximately 10-15 minutes.
4. Incorporate all prepared ingredients into the quinoa, ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures.
5. Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste and creating a balanced flavor profile.
6. For optimal taste and texture, allow the salad to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling ingredients to meld together and enhance overall gustatory experience.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature, storing any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

• Cooling quinoa prevents clumping and ensures a light, fluffy texture for the perfect salad base.
• Rinsing removes natural coating called saponin, which can taste bitter and impact overall flavor profile.
• Letting grains rest after cooking allows moisture to distribute evenly, creating a more consistent mouthfeel.
• Mixing ingredients gently helps preserve delicate textures and prevents breaking tender components like herbs or avocado.
• Refrigerating enhances flavor melding, allowing seasonings to penetrate ingredients more deeply over time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 367 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 20mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg