This quinoa salad is light, healthy, and full of flavor! Enjoy it as a side dish or serve it as a complete meal on its own.

I personally enjoy good food, and I think everyone should have the right to eat food with such good taste. But sometimes it’s just not possible, balancing studies and work and other obligations. But why not make a simple healthy dish that’ll let you save time, money, and even space for you to move around freely? I present to you my Quinoa Salad Recipe!

I have been preparing this Quinoa salad recipe in my cooking classes and it is always a huge hit. You can also check out my Vegan Greek Salad, Vegan Waldorf Salad, And Southwestern Tofu Salad.

On days when I’m not in the mood to prepare extensive and laborious meals, my go-to recipes are one-bowl salads. Today was just one of those days, to prepare this artichoke quinoa salad, which is full of flavors in every bite.

This quinoa salad is light, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful. It’s made with artichoke hearts, tomatoes, red onions, fresh cilantro, and an olive oil and lemon dressing that’s garlicky and savory.

FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS, SCROLL TO SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END. BUT BEFORE YOU SCROLL CHECK THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE BLURB.

Why You Should Try This Recipe?

I know, I know. You’re a little skeptical about trying this quinoa salad. I’m not going to try to convince you that it’s delicious by describing its texture or flavor because let’s be honest: at this point, you can take my word for it when it comes to taste. Instead, I’m going to tell you how it’ll make your life better.

• The power of quinoa salad is that it will always be there for you in times of need—like when you want something healthy and filling to eat but nothing comes to mind.
• Quinoa is a Superfood! If you have never tried quinoa before, this would be a great salad to prepare. Quinoa is actually a seed that is high in protein. Quinoa is usually prepared like you would with other grains.
• It provides plenty of protein and fiber but still keeps the dish relatively low in calories.
• It’s light, healthy, and can be eaten at any time of the day.
• It will fill up your belly in a way that reminds you why your body is so important.

If you’re still not convinced keep reading…

• Quinoa salad is a delicious side dish that can be served warm or cold.
• Quinoa salad also makes an excellent addition to many recipes—and will hold up under the pressure of being incorporated into various meals throughout the week!
• It is vegan and gluten-free so it is a great alternative for those who are on a gluten-free lifestyle.
• This quick and easy salad is delicious and great to make during the week.
• It’s also good as a side dish for barbecues.
• It makes excellent leftovers as well.
• You can change it up to your taste by adding ingredients like kidney beans, corn, olives, avocado and marinated tofu.

What Quinoa Salad With Artichokes Made Of?

• Quinoa – I used white quinoa, you can also use red or white or a combination of all 3. Quinoa is sold in the health food store or online on Amazon.
• Artichoke Hearts – you can use artichoke hearts in a jar that is in the water. If you can only find the marinated artichokes then make sure to reduce the amount of salt in the dressing.
• Tomato – multicolored cherry or grape tomatoes are great in this salad but chopped tomatoes are equally fine.
• Red Onion – tastes great but you can always substitute it with Vidalia onion.
• Cilantro/Parsley – I prefer cilantro but I know a lot of my audience loathe it and actually prefer parsley.
• Olive Oil – you can make it oil-free and leave the oil out.
• Garlic – Use fresh for greater flavor.
• Lime/Lemon Juice – gives a fresh taste to your salad.
• Cumin – is another must flavor.
• Salt – I use Himalayan pink salt but any natural salt is great.

The ingredients may appear basic, and they are, but I assure you that is a GOOD thing. I’m bringing back the basics!

How To Make Quinoa Salad With Artichokes

Don’t be afraid to cook quinoa; it’s a breeze (see my recipe on how to cook quinoa). I like to prepare the quinoa ahead of time so that the salad comes together quickly. Cooked quinoa can be stored for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Add some chopped tomatoes, onion, artichoke hearts, garlic, parsley, or cilantro with olive oil and lemon. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• It’s best to rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural coating of saponin which can make it taste soapy or bitter.
• Your quinoa cooking time will be affected by how much you prepare when making it in the oven or on the stovetop. Quinoa cooked in a smaller quantity cooks faster than quinoa cooked in a larger quantity. Every few minutes, check on your quinoa. It is done when there is no more liquid left.
• You can also use fresh artichoke. But you first need to marinate it.
• If you have an avocado that’s ripe, add some too to this easy quinoa salad recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quinoa Salad Healthy?

Quinoa salad is made with all healthy ingredients. The most important are quinoa and artichoke hearts which both are very nutritious.

Quinoa, a naturally gluten-free grain rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein is often regarded as one of the world’s healthiest foods. Quinoa has been consumed by humans for hundreds of years, and its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years as a ‘Superfood.’

Quinoa contains a high concentration of anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, making it potentially beneficial to human health in disease prevention and treatment.

It comprises all nine necessary amino acids, making it a complete protein.

Quinoa is rich in iron, iron is needed to produce red blood cells, and iron carries oxygen from one cell to another.

The fiber in quinoa makes you feel full for longer and it helps with weight loss. Fiber is also necessary for proper bowel function, preventing bowel cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Artichokes have high fiber content, are low in fat, and are abundant in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C & K, folate, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. They’re also high in antioxidants.

It has been utilized for centuries for its potential therapeutic benefits. It is claimed to have a number of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improved blood sugar control and digestion, as well as prevention of cancer cell growth and liver health.

Artichoke leaf extract has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. In a large study of over 700 participants, it was found that daily supplementation with artichoke leaves extract for 5–13 weeks resulted in a decrease in total and “bad” LDL cholesterol. Furthermore, taking artichoke extract on a regular basis may help persons with high cholesterol levels increase their “good” HDL cholesterol.

What Other Ingredients Can I Add To My Salad?

1. Cucumber
2. Olives
3. Vegan Feta Cheese
4. Chickpeas
5. Roasted Red Peppers
6. Avocado
7. Bok choy

How Long Does Quinoa Salad With Artichokes Keep?

Store your leftover quinoa salad in a container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. For longer storage, put in a freezer-safe container for about 3 months.

Is It Possible To Freeze Quinoa Salad?

Yes. Simply allow your quinoa Salad to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the airtight container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply keep in mind that frozen vegetables will lose their crispness and will have a texture similar to that of a reheated frozen vegetable.

What Do You Eat With Quinoa Salad?

I love to eat mine alone for a healthy meal or serve it as a side with Baked Falafel or Curry Cabbage.

Can I Eat Quinoa Salad Cold?

Yes, you can eat your salad cold or hot.

Can I Use Leftover Chilled Quinoa?

Yes, you can.

Quinoa is usually cooked and used right away in most quinoa salads. However, when quinoa is cooked the day before, it behaves similarly to rice in that it dries out further as it rests in the refrigerator overnight.

It’s also more refreshing when prepared chilled, especially with ingredients like cooled artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and a fresh lemony dressing.

Should Quinoa Be Soaked?

Soaking the quinoa isn’t necessary and can cause your finished product to ‘sog down.’ Rinsing quinoa before cooking eliminates the bitterness but has no effect on the consistency or ability of the quinoa to retain its fluffy texture.

What Can I Use Instead of Quinoa?

You can replace quinoa with millet, couscous, rice, chickpeas, lentils, or sweet potatoes if you don’t want to use it. Any of these would be great in this dish.

Who Should Not Eat Quinoa?

Quinoa consumption may induce stomachaches, itchy skin, rashes, and other food allergy symptoms in some people. The saponin in the seed and the coating could cause you to feel these symptoms.

Can You Eat Quinoa Raw?

It’s not a good idea to eat raw quinoa because it can upset your stomach. I recommend cooking the quinoa according to the instructions above.

How Does Quinoa Taste?

Quinoa has a subtle, nutty flavor to it. It’s frequently substituted for grains like rice or couscous, and it cooks in much the same way. Because of its mild flavor, it can be made sweet or savory, making it suitable for any meal.

Does Quinoa Make Poop?

Whole grain provides the required fiber for a good intestinal flora balance, which makes your digestive tract a pooping powerhouse. Whole grains include unprocessed oats, brown rice, and quinoa, as well as whole wheat pasta (among many others).

Is Quinoa Keto Friendly?

Despite its reputation as nutritious food, quinoa is heavy in carbohydrates and should be consumed in moderation on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. If you do decide to ingest it, never eat it in large quantities. Instead, use it as a garnish on salads, stews, sandwiches, and cereal.

Is Quinoa A Protein Or Carb?

Quinoa is a gluten-free, whole-grain carbohydrate as well as a whole protein, according to the Whole Grains Council (This means that it includes all nine essential amino acids.).

Why Is It Important To Rinse Quinoa Before Cooking?

It’s important to thoroughly rinse quinoa before cooking. If you don’t follow this simple step, the bitter-tasting substance (saponin) which coats the small seeds will remain, and you will never like to take this classic Superfood again in your diet.

What Are The Secret Of Making Perfect Quinoa?

Here’s how to make quinoa that’s perfectly fluffy:

• Rinse the quinoa in cold water through a fine-mesh strainer. Rinsing eliminates saponin, quinoa’s natural coating that can give it a soapy or unpleasant taste. Drain.
• Use twice the amount of water or broth as quinoa. More flavor is added to the quinoa when cooked in broth, although water will suffice.
• Cook without a lid until the water of quinoa has been absorbed.
• Remove from the heat once all of the water has been absorbed, cover it, and set aside quinoa for steam for 5 minutes.
• Open the lid and use a fork to fluff the quinoa. Enjoy!

For More, Delicious Quinoa Recipes Check Out My:

Mexican Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Breakfast Quinoa Bowl With Berries

Curry Quinoa with Broccoli

Southwestern Quinoa Bake

Black Bean Quinoa Patties

If you like and enjoy this recipe, please leave a comment to let me know your feedback.

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