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

• Simple Preparation: This Tomato Quinoa Salad takes just 22 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from quinoa and chickpeas, this salad is both healthy and satisfying.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of fresh tomatoes, lime juice, and herbs creates a burst of flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare this salad ahead of time for quick lunches or sides throughout the week.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making this delicious Tomato Quinoa Salad, gather the necessary tools for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mesh strainer
• Small pot
• Fork
• Chopping board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mesh strainer: Essential for rinsing quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.
• Small pot: Perfect size for cooking quinoa without taking up too much space on the stove.
• Fork: Useful for fluffing the cooked quinoa to achieve a light texture.
• Chopping board: Provides a safe surface for chopping fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this refreshing Tomato Quinoa Salad:

For the Salad

• 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
• additional fresh chopped parsley (to taste)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Tomato Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Rinse and Toast 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. 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 2: Prepare Remaining Ingredients

While the quinoa cooks, chop, slice, and prep the remaining ingredients including tomatoes, green onions, chickpeas, and parsley.

Step 3: 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 in a bowl. Whisk together until well blended.

Step 4: 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! Toss salad with half of the dressing. Drizzle extra dressing on top as desired and feel free to add any additional seasoning to taste.

How to Serve Tomato Quinoa Salad

Tomato Quinoa Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a light lunch or a side for dinner, this salad fits the bill perfectly. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

As a Standalone Lunch

• Enjoy it cold or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.
• Pair with crusty bread for a more filling option.

With Grilled Proteins

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp to add protein.
• The flavors of the grilled meats complement the salad beautifully.

On a Bed of Greens

• Place it over mixed greens for added texture and nutrition.
• This makes a colorful and visually appealing plate.

As a Party Appetizer

• Use small cups to serve as individual portions for gatherings.
• It’s easy to prepare in advance and great for sharing.

How to Perfect Tomato Quinoa Salad

To ensure your Tomato Quinoa Salad is always delightful, follow these simple tips. They will help enhance the flavors and textures of your dish.

• Rinse the quinoa: This removes bitterness and improves flavor.
• Toast before cooking: Lightly toast quinoa for nuttiness; this adds depth.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs make all the difference in taste.
• Let it chill: Cooling the salad allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; feel free to add more salt or lime juice if needed.

Best Side Dishes for Tomato Quinoa Salad

Tomato Quinoa Salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement its fresh flavors.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Charred peppers, zucchini, and eggplant add smokiness.
2. Hummus and Pita: Creamy hummus with warm pita chips offers great texture contrast.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their sweetness balances the salad’s acidity nicely.
4. Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt dip that enhances the freshness of the salad.
5. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread brings richness to your meal.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit mix adds sweetness and brightness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Tomato Quinoa Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture.

• Not rinsing quinoa: Failing to rinse quinoa can leave a bitter taste. Always rinse it well under cold water before cooking to remove any saponins.
• Overcooking quinoa: Cooking quinoa for too long will make it mushy. Follow the recommended cooking time of 12-13 minutes for perfectly fluffy quinoa.
• Ignoring seasoning: Skipping the seasoning can lead to bland salad. Use the dressing generously and taste before serving; adjust seasoning as needed.
• Using stale ingredients: Using old or expired ingredients, especially spices, can diminish flavor. Check your pantry before you start cooking.
• Not letting it cool: Adding warm quinoa to fresh vegetables can wilt them. Allow your quinoa to cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
• If possible, store tomatoes separately until ready to serve.

Freezing Tomato Quinoa Salad

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Leave out tomatoes and add them fresh when thawed.
• Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Tomato Quinoa Salad

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), spread salad on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place salad in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Tomato Quinoa Salad?

You can absolutely customize your Tomato Quinoa Salad! Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers. You can also swap chickpeas for black beans or add avocado for creaminess.

How do I make this salad gluten-free?

Rest assured, this Tomato Quinoa Salad is naturally gluten-free since quinoa is gluten-free by nature. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How long does Tomato Quinoa Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad lasts about 4 days in the refrigerator. For optimal taste, consume it within that time frame.

What can I serve with Tomato Quinoa Salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a great side dish at gatherings or barbecues due to its vibrant flavors and colors.

Final Thoughts

Tomato Quinoa Salad is not only delicious but also versatile and healthy. Its blend of fresh ingredients makes it perfect for meal prep or as a side dish. Don’t hesitate to try different veggies or proteins; this recipe adapts beautifully! Enjoy experimenting with your version of this delightful salad!