Name: Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked quinoa cooled; 2 cups roasted cherry tomatoes or oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; 2 cups arugula; 1 cup Persian cucumbers sliced; 1 cup mixed fresh basil and mint leaves; 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 3/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced; 1/2 cup red onion diced; 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts; 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil for dressing; 2 tbsp white wine vinegar; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp honey; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves grated; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp sea salt plus more to taste; freshly ground black pepper; red pepper flakes pinch; 1 cup roasted chickpeas for topping

01

Overview

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Servings6

DifficultyEasy

02

Ingredients

3 cups cooked quinoacooled2 cups roasted cherry tomatoesor oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes2 cups arugula1 cup Persian cucumberssliced1 cup mixed fresh basil and mint leaves3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese3/4 cup Kalamata olivespitted and sliced1/2 cup red oniondiced1/3 cup toasted pine nuts1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oilfor dressing2 tbsp white wine vinegar2 tbsp fresh lemon juice1 tsp honey1 tsp Dijon mustard2 garlic clovesgrated1 tsp dried oregano1/2 tsp sea saltplus more to taste freshly ground black pepper red pepper flakespinch1 cup roasted chickpeasfor topping

03

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Whisk or jar for dressing
Measuring cups
Knife and cutting board

04

Method

01

Prep the base

Make sure the quinoa and roasted tomatoes are cool. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, grated garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper into a bright dressing.

02

Combine the salad

In a large bowl, combine quinoa, roasted tomatoes, arugula, cucumbers, herbs, feta, olives, onion, and pine nuts.

03

Dress and top

Drizzle with half the dressing and toss. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, adding more dressing as desired. Top with roasted chickpeas and serve.

✦

Tips

NoteAurora prefers the garnish. I prefer the last bite.

NoteMake it once, then make it yours with tiny swaps.

NoteLeftovers are friends if you store them kindly.

✦

Nutrition

Caloriesvaries

NoteApproximate; depends on servings and toppings

✦

Storage

RefrigeratorStore covered and reheat gently when needed.

Best freshFlavor and texture are happiest the day you make it.

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Frequently asked

Can I change it a little?+

Yes — keep the heart of the method and swap toppings or veggies as you like.

How do I store leftovers?+

Cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently when needed.

Is this hard?+

No — easy steps, soft kitchen energy.

Quinoa Salad

Overview

Ingredients

Equipment