Tomato Quinoa Salad

It’s time to add another tasty quinoa recipe to our meal prep game! This Tomato Quinoa Salad is fast, flavorful, and easily made in advance for speedy lunches and sides for work, school, or home! Feel free to double this recipe if needed; it’s so easy to do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 22 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chickpeas and healthy fats from avocado oil, this salad is a wholesome choice.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main dish, side salad, or even as a filling snack throughout the week.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of tomatoes, lime juice, and herbs gives this salad a refreshing kick.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time for grab-and-go meals that stay delicious in the fridge.

Tools and Preparation

Before we dive into the recipe, having the right tools makes preparation smoother and faster. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mesh strainer or sieve
• Small pot
• Fork
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Mesh strainer or sieve: Ensures your quinoa is thoroughly rinsed before cooking.
• Small pot: Perfectly sized for cooking quinoa without taking up too much space on your stove.
• Fork: Ideal for fluffing cooked quinoa to achieve that light texture.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this vibrant Tomato Quinoa Salad:

For the Base

• 1/2 cup dry quinoa
• 3/4 cup water
• 2-3 cups chopped/sliced tomato
• 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
• 2 TBSP avocado oil
• 1 clove garlic (smashed and minced)
• 1 TBSP fresh chopped parsley
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Tomato Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Rinse the Quinoa

First rinse and drain your quinoa using a mesh strainer or sieve. Bring a small pot to medium heat and lightly toast the quinoa to remove any excess water. Stir as it toasts for just a few minutes. This step is optional but really adds to the nuttiness and fluff factor of the quinoa! Next, add your water, set burner to high, and bring to a boil.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered with the lid slightly ajar, for 12-13 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 3: Prepare Remaining Ingredients

While the quinoa cooks, chop, slice, and prep the remaining ingredients including tomatoes and green onion.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

To make the dressing, combine avocado oil (or healthy oil of your choosing) with fresh lime juice, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Once your quinoa is ready, fluff with a fork and allow it to cool (I usually pop mine in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes). Then combine with tomatoes, green onion, chickpeas, and any extra parsley you’d like! I usually add 2-3 TBSP of extra parsley—I love the flavor!

Step 6: Toss It All Together

Toss salad with half of the dressing and dive in! Drizzle extra dressing on the salad as desired and feel free to add any additional seasoning to taste.

Enjoy your Tomato Quinoa Salad as a delightful meal that’s both healthy and satisfying!

How to Serve Tomato Quinoa Salad

Tomato Quinoa Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a refreshing snack, the options are endless!

As a Main Course

• Serve over a bed of greens for added texture and nutrition.
• Pair with grilled shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves as wraps filled with Tomato Quinoa Salad for a fun and healthy twist.

As a Dip

• Enjoy it with tortilla chips or pita bread for a delicious appetizer at gatherings.

Meal Prep Containers

• Divide into lunch containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

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How to Perfect Tomato Quinoa Salad

To elevate your Tomato Quinoa Salad, consider these simple tips to ensure it’s packed with flavor and texture.

• Rinse quinoa thoroughly: This removes bitterness and enhances the nutty flavor of the quinoa.
• Toast before boiling: Lightly toasting quinoa adds a delightful nuttiness that elevates the overall taste.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and tweak the dressing with more lime juice, salt, or spices to match your preference.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs will enhance the salad’s vibrant flavors significantly.

Best Side Dishes for Tomato Quinoa Salad

Pairing your Tomato Quinoa Salad with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider!

1. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add smokiness and balance out the freshness of the salad.
2. Hummus and Veggies: A creamy dip that goes perfectly with crunchy raw vegetables for dipping.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their sweetness contrasts nicely with the tangy salad flavors.
4. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on whole-grain bread provides richness that complements the salad.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits offers natural sweetness and hydration.
6. Chickpea Curry: A warm dish that pairs well with cold salads, providing protein and spice.

These suggestions will help you enjoy your Tomato Quinoa Salad in new and exciting ways!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Tomato Quinoa Salad, avoiding these common mistakes will ensure a delicious outcome.

• Skipping the rinsing step: Failing to rinse quinoa can lead to a bitter taste. Always rinse your quinoa under cold water to remove saponins before cooking.
• Overcooking the quinoa: Cooking quinoa for too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on the cooking time and follow the instructions closely for perfect texture.
• Not cooling the quinoa: Adding warm quinoa to your salad can wilt fresh ingredients. Allow it to cool completely before mixing in other components.
• Ignoring seasoning: A bland salad is unappealing. Be generous with herbs, spices, and dressings to enhance flavors.
• Using stale ingredients: Old or expired items can affect the salad’s taste. Use fresh tomatoes, herbs, and other ingredients for the best flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Tomato Quinoa Salad in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Tomato Quinoa Salad

• You can freeze portions of this salad if needed.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 1-2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Tomato Quinoa Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between each session to prevent uneven heating.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or dressing to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add protein to my Tomato Quinoa Salad?

Yes! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein and variety.

How can I customize my Tomato Quinoa Salad?

Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers, or swap out the dressing for your favorite vinaigrette.

Is this Tomato Quinoa Salad vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! This recipe is completely vegan and packed with nutrients.

How do I make this salad gluten-free?

Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Quinoa Salad is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for any meal plan. With its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, it’s perfect as a main dish or side. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins! Give it a try today!