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 Preparation: This Tomato Quinoa Salad takes just 22 minutes to make, making it perfect for a busy week.
- Health Benefits: Packed with quinoa and chickpeas, this salad offers protein, fiber, and essential nutrients to fuel your day.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main dish, side salad, or lunch option. It pairs well with various proteins like grilled chicken or tofu.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, lime juice, and herbs create a refreshing taste that stands out.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make it in advance and store it in the fridge; it tastes great even after a few days.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and helps you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mesh strainer or sieve
- Small pot with lid
- Fork for fluffing quinoa
- Chopping board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Mesh strainer or sieve: Essential for rinsing quinoa effectively to remove any bitterness.
- Small pot with lid: A good quality pot allows for even cooking of quinoa without burning.
- Chopping board: Provides a safe surface for cutting your veggies without any mess.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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 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. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer with the lid slightly ajar for 12-13 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
While the quinoa cooks, chop, slice, and prep the remaining ingredients.
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.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Once your quinoa is ready, fluff it 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 and dive in! Drizzle extra dressing on the salad 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 many ways. Whether you serve it as a main meal, side dish, or snack, its refreshing flavors will brighten up any table. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
As a Main Dish
- Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Serve over a bed of mixed greens for added crunch and nutrition.
As a Side Dish
- Accompany it with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate.
- Serve alongside your favorite protein, like fish or tofu, to create a balanced meal.
In Wraps or Pitas
- Stuff into whole grain wraps or pitas for a quick lunch option.
- Add extra greens and hummus for additional flavor and texture.
Cold or Warm
- Enjoy it chilled from the fridge for a refreshing summer dish.
- Heat it slightly in the microwave for a cozy winter meal.
With Extra Toppings
- Top with feta cheese or avocado slices for added creaminess.
- Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds or nuts for an extra crunch.
How to Perfect Tomato Quinoa Salad
To make sure your Tomato Quinoa Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips.
- Rinse the quinoa: Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can be bitter.
- Use fresh ingredients: Utilize ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best flavor profile.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad cool enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for variety.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Tomato Quinoa Salad
Tomato Quinoa Salad pairs beautifully with various side dishes. These options complement its flavors while adding variety to your meal. Here are some delicious suggestions.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant enhance the salad’s freshness.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on whole-grain bread adds richness and healthy fats.
- Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy chickpeas provide an extra layer of texture and protein.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a sweet contrast to the savory salad.
- Hummus and Pita Chips: Creamy hummus with crispy pita is perfect for dipping alongside the salad.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with grains and beans, they make a hearty addition that complements quinoa nicely.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad provides crunch and refreshment that pairs well with the tomato flavors.
- Soup of Your Choice: A warm bowl of soup, like butternut squash or minestrone, rounds out the meal beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Tomato Quinoa Salad, it’s easy to overlook simple steps that can enhance your dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Skipping the Rinse: Not rinsing quinoa can lead to a bitter taste. Always rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove the saponins.
Overcooking the Quinoa: Cooking quinoa for too long can make it mushy. Follow the cooking time closely and check for fluffiness.
Ignoring Flavor Balance: Using too little seasoning can make your salad bland. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning, especially with salt and lime juice.
Cutting Veggies Too Early: Preparing tomatoes and other veggies too far in advance can lead to sogginess. Chop them just before mixing them into the salad.
Not Letting It Chill: Serving the salad warm may not bring out its full flavor. Allow it to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Freezing Tomato Quinoa Salad
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Portion it out into single servings for easy thawing.
Reheating Tomato Quinoa Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Tomato Quinoa Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in the refrigerator, and it will taste great for several days.
What other ingredients can I add to my Tomato Quinoa Salad?
You can customize your salad with ingredients like cucumber, bell peppers, or feta cheese for added flavor and texture.
Is this Tomato Quinoa Salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How can I make this Tomato Quinoa Salad more filling?
To add more protein, consider including diced grilled chicken or tofu. This will make it heartier and more satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Quinoa Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether as a quick lunch or a side dish at dinner, this salad is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy its fresh flavors!
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Tomato Quinoa Salad, a quick and nutritious dish perfect for meal prep or a satisfying lunch. This recipe highlights fluffy quinoa combined with juicy tomatoes and protein-rich chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. In just 22 minutes, you can whip up this colorful salad that not only tastes great but also packs a nutritional punch. Enjoy it as a refreshing main course, a delightful side dish, or even stuffed in wraps for on-the-go meals. With its versatility and fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry quinoa
- 3/4 cup water
- 2–3 cups chopped tomatoes
- 15 oz can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water using a mesh strainer.
- In a small pot over medium heat, lightly toast quinoa for a few minutes. Add water, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover slightly ajar, and simmer for 12-13 minutes until fluffy.
- While quinoa cooks, prepare tomatoes, green onion, and chickpeas.
- In a bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Once quinoa is ready and cooled slightly, fluff with a fork and combine with prepared vegetables and half of the dressing. Toss well and serve with additional dressing as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added crunch and flavor variations, consider mixing in cucumbers or bell peppers. Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.