Your summer picnics and weekday lunches just got 10x better and even exciting thanks to this Actually Good Quinoa Salad. It’s bursting with irresistible and complex flavors and textures and is nothing like the boring quinoa salads I know you’ve had in the past.
This over-the-top quinoa chickpea salad is made with crispy toasted quinoa, roasted seasonal vegetables, marinated chickpeas, and fun mix-ins. Take it from a former quinoa hater, this salad is SO good that everyone in your life will love it.
Table of Contents:
1. Why this recipe works
2. Ingredient notes
3. Step-by-step instructions
4. Tips for making this recipe
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Recipe card with notes
Why this recipe works
Quinoa just got exciting.
Do “quinoa” and “exciting” even belong in the same sentence? 99% of the time, I’d say absolutely not.
I know. I’m vegan. I’m supposed to love quinoa. But I don’t. The flavor is meh at best, and the texture is almost like pebbly sand.
Toasted quinoa, however, is a totally different story. Toasting cooked quinoa in some olive oil in the oven takes it from boring to fantastic.
The combo of heat + fat works brings out the grain’s natural nutty flavors. It’s a simple method that turned me and my culinary assistant Hannah (and even my picky partner Max) into quinoa lovers.
The warm, nutty quinoa is complemented by tangy marinated chickpeas, tender-crisp roasted vegetables, and crunchy nuts. They’re all tossed together, giving you peak texture wonderland and (most importantly) an actually good quinoa salad.
Well-balanced with nourishing ingredients.
This salad is not only flavor-packed but is also nourishing and well-rounded thanks to the variety of complex carbs, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats.
Both quinoa and chickpeas are wonderful sources of protein and fiber, while vegetables provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals (plus more fiber). Almonds add healthy fats and even more fiber, vitamins, and minerals!
This wide array of nutrients will keep your tummy full and happy for hours!
Versatile ingredients make it perfect for any season.
One of the best things about this quinoa salad recipe is just how versatile it is.
You can use any combination of in-season vegetables to bulk it up, as well as your choice of fresh herbs and mix-ins. Or just use whatever you already have on hand!
If you’re looking for a fall-specific salad that will blow your mind, try this Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette!
We tested several variations of this salad to make sure it works no matter the time of year, and it seriously delivered. You can find all kinds of ideas in the Variations section below.
Ingredient notes
Quinoa
Quinoa is a seriously nutritious grain. Actually, it’s technically a seed, so it’s a pseudo-grain.
It’s naturally gluten free, loaded with protein (8 grams per 1 cup), and a fantastic source of dietary fiber (5 grams per 1 cup).
If you enjoy quinoa, you can use it to bulk up salads, soups, and even chili, or even pulverize into flour to make healthy “alternative” Quinoa Pancakes.
Quinoa comes in three different colors: white, red, and black (or a mix of all three). I typically use white quinoa, but any variety will do.
Vegetables
Before you decide on which vegetables to toss in this salad, consider the season and/or what you already have on hand. We love making this recipe with asparagus and snap peas for a fresh spring flavor but often turn to cauliflower or winter squash once the cold weather rolls in.
Chickpeas
Regular canned chickpeas are soaked in a simple marinade made from pantry staples, flavor boosters, and fresh herbs. The beans take on big flavors (think tart, garlicky, and lemony) and a creamy texture without taking much extra time to prepare.
Pomegranate molasses
The star ingredient in the marinated chickpeas is pomegranate molasses, a thick, tangy syrup made from boiled pomegranate juice. It adds this amazingly unique and delightful sweet-tangy flavor that compliments the earthy taste of the quinoa and the fresh flavors of the vegetables. I can’t recommend it enough in this recipe!
Where to buy: I’ve tried several different brands of pomegranate molasses, and the clear winner is the brand “Al Wadi”. Find it directly from Amazon.com (affiliate link) or OliveNation.com. Or, if you have a Middle Eastern market near you, you’ll find options there too.
Substitute: Use a good-quality aged balsamic vinegar instead. Start with just 1 tablespoon, give it a taste, then add more as needed. You can really use any vinegar, as long as it’s a good-quality one that’s not too harsh in flavor. Champagne vinegar would also be lovely.
Almonds (or pistachios)
Roasted nuts give this quinoa salad an amazing crunch that plays off the crispiness of the toasted quinoa. They’re a healthy addition, too, filling each bite with plenty of fiber and heart-healthy fats (AKA monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats).
Substitute: If allergic to nuts, try pepitas instead. Make sure to toast them in a dry frying pan over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will bring out their natural nutty flavors and oils, which add even more dimension to the salad.
Vegan feta (optional)
Quinoa salad and feta go hand in hand. Whether you use your favorite brand of vegan feta or make your own using my Greek-Style Vegan Feta recipe, it adds a tangy, salty flavor and creamy texture that contrasts with the crunchy and crispy textures. If you don’t have access to vegan feta, chunks of ripe avocado add a lovely creamy texture instead.
Where to buy: I’ve had my fair share of store-bought vegan feta, with Trader Joe’s and Violife being two of my favorites. Follow Your Heart also has a good vegan feta.
Step-by-step instructions
Simmer the quinoa in a pot of water until all of the liquid has evaporated and the grains are tender.
Fluff the quinoa with a fork once it’s done, then transfer it to a sheet pan. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer and let it cool for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, slice the vegetables. Lay them in an even layer on a sheet pan and toss them with a bit of oil, salt, and pepper.
Toss the cooked quinoa on the sheet pan with a bit of olive oil and salt.
Roast the quinoa and vegetables in the oven until the quinoa is crispy and golden brown in spots and the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
While you wait, marinate the chickpeas in a large bowl with the shallot, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, pomegranate molasses, herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss them a few times as they marinate for about 10 minutes.
Combine. Add the roasted vegetables, toasted quinoa, and nuts to the bowl with the marinated chickpeas. Add in any mix-ins like vegan feta or pickled onions. Gently toss to combine. Finish with a spritz of lemon juice, then enjoy!
Tips for making this recipe
These simple tips will help you turn this salad into an over-the-top meal.
Seek out the pomegranate molasses.
This magical ingredient does some serious heavy lifting in this recipe. It adds a hint of richness and a depth of flavor, making it more complex and tastier than if you just used lemon juice or vinegar.
It comes with plenty of other uses, too. Pomegranate molasses is a wonderful addition to salad dressings and vinaigrettes, tahini sauces, yogurt sauces, hummus, and drizzled over roasted vegetables (especially winter squash, eggplant, zucchini, and cauliflower).
Tips for cooking quinoa
One of the mistakes I see around quinoa is using too much water. In our tests, the common 2 cups water to 1 cup quinoa left the quinoa water-logged, which made it difficult to fluff up.
Instead, we use just 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) water for 1 cup quinoa and the quinoa was not water logged and easy to fluff up. You do want to keep a few things in mind:
The key to cooking quinoa in minimal water involves (1) keeping the heat level on low (actually low, not medium-low) and (2) cooking the quinoa in a small or medium saucepan with the lid on. If you go above low heat, the water will absorb too quickly before the quinoa finishes cooking. If you use a large saucepan, the water won’t be sufficiently high in the pan to cook the quinoa.
Tips for toasting quinoa
Remember to spread the rinsed quinoa in an even layer across the pan so it toasts evenly. Let it roast without tossing for 15 minutes. Or, if you’re using a well-worn sheet pan, check it after 10 minutes. The quinoa tends to get crispy fastest around the edges, so when you toss the quinoa, mix well so the edges don’t burn.
Get creative with the vegetables
Let the seasons and your imagination guide you! Once you make this recipe, try it with new vegetables, herbs, and mix-ins. This salad is flexible, versatile, and so fun to play with.
Variations
You can make a quinoa salad with any combination of in-season vegetables and mix-ins that you like but these ideas will help get you started:
Roasted vegetable options
- Asparagus: bottoms trimmed and then cut into one-inch pieces. Great in spring and early summer.
- Snap peas: kept whole. Best in spring and summer.
- Fennel: cut the bulb in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into ⅓ inch slices. Keep the fronds for garnish. Great in fall, winter, or spring.
- Cherry tomatoes: halved. These are perfect for summer!
- Broccoli or cauliflower: cut into small-to-medium florets. Usually good year round.
- Carrots: slice diagonally (no fatter than ½-inch thick). Use these during fall, winter, and spring.
- Winter squash: thinly sliced or cubed. Best in fall and winter.
- Brussels sprouts: halved (quartered if large). Best in fall and winter.
Raw vegetables options
- Fold in finely diced cucumbers. English cucumbers are great but Persian cucumbers are extra crunchy and fresh.
- Pick up some extra sweet golden cherry tomatoes during the summer.
- Finely diced red onions (instead of shallots) add more crunch and a tart flavor. To tone down this tartness, soak the onions in cold water for 10 minutes beforehand.
Other optional mix-ins and flavors
- Vegan feta for a creamy texture and salty, tangy flavor.
- Pickled items, like pickled red onions (2nd to last recipe card in the linked blog post) or sauerkraut, give the salad a tangy, salty flavor and subtle crisp texture.
- Add hemp seeds for extra protein.
- Instead of the dressing used in the marinated chickpeas, use my Red Wine Vinaigrette! It pairs excellently with both quinoa and chickpeas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make this salad a part of the spread during spring and summer meals. It would go well with my Vegan Potato Salad, Grilled Tofu Skewers, and/or Watermelon Cucumber Salad.
During colder months, pair it with my Warm Lentil Salad, Wild Rice Stuffed Squash, Vegan Cauliflower Soup, or Vegan Broccoli Soup.
If you’re having a picnic, this would be an excellent addition alongside my Vegan Egg Salad sandwiches.
This quinoa salad is the answer to feeling nourished and satisfied. Almost every ingredient is packed with plant-based protein and fiber (the quinoa and chickpeas especially), along with a long list of vitamins, minerals, complex carbs, and healthy fats.
We find that the addition of almonds and/or pistachios gives the salad the most crunch and flavor. However, if you have an allergy, feel free to omit them or use pepitas (or sunflower seeds).
Chickpeas are our favorite because they’re firm, yet creamy. However, you can use white beans if that’s what you have on hand.
Yes, you can substitute 1 medium shallot for ¼ cup diced red onion (30g).
While the salad is best eaten on day 1, it will stay good for 2 to 3 days in the fridge. If you want to best preserve the textures, you can store leftover components (e.g., toasted quinoa, roasted vegetables, marinated chickpeas) separately in the fridge.
Watch: How to Make Quinoa Salad
Check out the YouTube video for a step by step guide to making this recipe!
How I made QUINOA taste 10x BETTER
If you also loved this quinoa salad, please be sure to leave a rating and review below! It’s always much appreciated :) And tag me on Instagram – I love seeing your feedback!
Big Vegan Flavor
Techniques and 150 recipes to master vegan cooking.
Actually Good Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup (180g) uncooked quinoa
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 pound (450g) Vegetables (pick 2 or 3; see Note 1)
- Spring: asparagus, snap peas, fennel (early spring)
- Summer: sweet cherry/grape tomatoes, halved
- Fall: any winter squash
- Winter: fennel, broccoli or cauliflower or Brussels sprouts
Marinated Chickpeas
- 1 (15-ounce/425g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced (or ¼ cup / 30g finely diced red onion)
- 1 medium lemon, zested + 2 tablespoons juice (more juice for the end)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses (or aged balsamic vinegar, see Note 2)
- 1 big handful (1 cup / 16g) of flat-leaf parsley leaves (or basil or dill, depending on vegetable used), chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed with a press or grated finely
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flake (optional for a touch of heat)
- 1/2 cup (70g) roasted almonds and/or pistachios, chopped (optional; see Note 3 for nut-free)
Optional mix-ins
- ½ cup (60g) vegan feta, crumbled
- Something pickled, like pickled onions
- A big handful of sweet cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
Instructions
- Bring 1 ¼ cups of water (300 mL) to a boil. Meanwhile, rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh sieve under cool running water.
- Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed quinoa and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, until the liquid has evaporated and quinoa is tender, about 12 minutes. Open the pot and fluff with a fork. Transfer quinoa to a sheet pan and spread out in an even layer. Allow to cool somewhat.
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF/218ºC. Arrange a rack in the bottommost and in the top third of the oven.
- Meanwhile, slice your vegetables (see Note 1).
- Spread the vegetables out on a sheet pan in a single layer as much as possible. Drizzle with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.a. If the quinoa is not done yet, start on the chickpeas (step 8).
- To the cooked quinoa on the other sheet pan, toss with 1 ½ tablespoons oil and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Mix with your hands to coat. Spread out with as little overlap as possible.
- Roast the quinoa and veggies: Transfer the vegetables to the bottom rack and quinoa to the upper rack. After 15 minutes, toss the quinoa (no need to toss veggies). Continue baking, checking the quinoa every 5 minutes until the quinoa is crispy and golden brown in spots and the vegetables are tender and browned in spots (they both should take about 25 minutes).
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, shallot, 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest and 2 tablespoons juice, pomegranate molasses, herbs, garlic, salt, pepper to taste, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss well and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes or longer. Toss a few times.
- Add the roasted vegetables, toasted quinoa, and toasted nuts to the marinated chickpeas. Gently toss. Crumble in the feta if using and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Before serving, squeeze a little lemon juice on top if you have leftover lemon from the marinated chickpeas.
Notes
Snap peas: keep whole.
Fennel: cut the bulb in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into ⅓ inch slices (keep fronds for garnish).
Cherry tomatoes: halved.
Winter squash: Cube into bite-size pieces or thinly slice.
Broccoli or cauliflower: small-medium sized florets.
Brussels sprouts: small ones, halved; larger ones, quartered. Note 2 My favorite pomegranate molasses brand is Al Wadi 100% natural. Find it directly from Amazon.com (affiliate link) or OliveNation.com. Or, if you have a Middle Eastern market near you, you’ll find options there too. You can substitute it with a good-quality aged balsamic vinegar instead. Start with just 1 tablespoon, give it a taste, then add more as needed. Note 3 Sub with toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds; no need to chop. If raw, toast them first. Add to a dry frying pan over medium heat. Toast, stirring occasionally, until nutty and a few shades darker, 4 to 5 minutes.
Recipe: Nisha Vora / Rainbow Plant Life | Photography: Megan Morello
Soooooo delish and simple!!
Thank you for your lovely comment, Bells! It makes us happy to know that you enjoyed the recipe.
I laughed at the name of this recipe, but it’s so true, quinoa salads are usually something you eat for health vs. taste. Not this one! I have never felt so excited about quinoa and chickpeas. I made the recipe exactly as written and used cauliflower as my veg. Everything came out perfectly. The tastes & textures were complex and had me returning for seconds.
It makes us so happy to hear you loved the recipe, Kaitlyn! I am so obsessed with this one as well!
sooooo good… this is now in my rotation for my healthy meal plan… ty
Hi Constance, Thank you so much for such a fantastic review! Appreciate you taking the time!
I’ve made this twice and both times the quinoa has not been good. The first time I cooked it too long and it was hard. The second time I cooked it until it was brown but it still did not shine. It still tasted like quinoa, just less intense, but the texture wasn’t great. I decided that roasting quinoa is not a good use of time. It takes up valuable space in the oven when I have more veggies I could be roasting. With that said, this recipe is 5 stars because of everything else. I will absolutely make it again, except I’ll use regular cooked quinoa next time. :)
Hi Freya, sorry to hear you didn’t have success with roasting the quinoa. We hope you’re able to try other recipes on the site and enjoy them!
Crazy for this salad! I had pomegranate molasses I had brought back from Turkey and was running out of ideas on how to use it. I have made this salad with only cherry tomatoes and parsley (no roasted vegetables). I’ve also made it with roasted asparagus, and I’ve made it with sauteed zucchini. Sometimes with the chickpeas and sometimes without. It always turns out so good! Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, Julie! :) Great to hear you were able to put that Turkish pomegranate molasses to use :)
Wow. I made a test batch, but didn’t have any garlic or shallots or a lot of time, so had to settle for onion granules and some corner-cutting. I was primarily interested in checking out the roasted quinoa and the pomegranate molasses, which I managed to find today in my local health food store. I caramelized broccoli in my iron pan rather than roasting, and I wasn’t able to fully toast the chopped almonds to my satisfaction. I went super light on the red pepper this go-round. All that said, it was still an amazing and delicious dish. The pomegranate molasses is a rock star; I’m already brainstorming all the ways I plan to use it. My dish really needed the pungent savoriness of the garlic and shallots, so I can’t wait to make this again! Quinoa is a staple for me, and it’s great to have a different way to prepare it. I might try to toast it even longer next time. All in all, this is a keeper!!
Thanks for the lovely review, Christine! We can’t wait to hear your thoughts after you’ve tried the recipe as-written. I am absolutely obsessed with the marinated chickpeas on their own! Cheers!
Great! I’ve made this 5 times. I love it with pickled beats.
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Amy! Pickled beets would be so great on this!
This salad is the perfect way to welcome summer! The mix of fresh and roasted vegetables, crunchy quinoa and tender chickpeas, and soft herbs with toasted nuts ensures there’s something in there to please every palate.
Thanks for the lovely review, Callan :)
Winner, winner, quinoa dinner! This recipe is wonderfully delicious. I made it with roasted broccoli florets and Brazil nuts because that’s what I had on hand. This was my first time to try pomegranate molasses. It does add an unusual yet delightful flavor. Thank you again!
Hi there, thanks for the lovely review! I’m looking forward to making the marinated chickpeas part of this recipe this evening actually… It’s amazing! :)
this quinoa method is SO much better! It makes the grain feel like a real ingredient I can taste rather than just speckles on a dish. I made a different raw vegetable mix and the quinoa was a great addition! Thank you for your always perfect recipes
Thank you for the thoughtful review :) Great to hear the recipe went well for you!
I have made this several times now. Absolutely delicious!!
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Denise!
This is the best salad to learn how to make good salads. I started with the recipe as it was written, then changed it with the seasons, then started to add and subtract add-ons and now it’s the building block recipe for any great grain and bean salad with lots and lots of roasted vegetables. I love this recipe!
Thanks for the kind words, Elizabeth! Great to hear you’ve found such value in the recipe!
I had so many doubts about this recipe but what can I say, it once again turned out delicious! I didn’t have almonds so I used pepitas and added some Edamame for even more protein and some pickled carrots. Soooo good! Even my meat-loving, quinoa-hating boyfriend loved it. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing, Ines! It’s wonderful to hear the quinoa salad was such a smashing success.
Delicious! Wow! Never thought vegan could taste so good 😊
We’re happy to challenge your preconceptions, Sara! Thanks for the sweet review!
This a great picnic addition. I took it to an outing where the host served grilled salmon and it totally complimented the entree. I was surprised at how crispy the quinoa became upon baking, but really liked how it added so much texture to the salad. I also put pickled onions and feta on the side and really enjoyed them.
Dlt, Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed the quinoa salad.
This is SOOOO GOOD. Wow. I love your recipes and know they’ll always be delicious, but this one really hit it out the park for me!
The different textures, temperatures, flavours. A little hint of spice. Yum! I subbed avocado for feta as I just prefer that, and used pepitas instead of almonds. I didn’t have pomegranate molasses so I tried it with tamarind concentrate and I think it achieved the same effect. It took me a bit longer than an hour, but I think once I’ve made it a couple more times it will be a breeze to make.
Thanks for another excellent recipe!
We appreciate your feedback and support, Alex. Thank you for leaving a review!
This is REALLY GOOD quinoa salad! I did the spring veggie version and added cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and really good balsamic vinegar in stead of the pomegranate molasses. This is definitely a keeper and love how it can be prepared with seasonal veggies.
Ann, Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed the quinoa salad.
The flavors were outstanding, but the color of the chickpeas was an unappealing brown. I finally figured it out – I used a pomegranate molasses that was made with pomegranates and dates (Just Date brand), and not the 100% pomegranate kind. I used sugar snap peas and asparagus and for the cous cous, I used pearl cous cous. I loved the more substantial bite of the pearl variety. I will definitely make again when asparagus and snap peas are in season and when I have the correct pomegranate molasses!
Thanks for the lengthy review, Sharon. Happy to hear you enjoyed the salad!