When enjoying Costco Quinoa Salad, there are several side dishes that can perfectly complement its fresh, nutritious flavors. Grilled chicken skewers, marinated in a zesty lemon-herb mix, provide juicy, tender bites that pair wonderfully with the quinoa salad’s crunchy vegetables.
The smoky char from the grill enhances the freshness of the salad, creating a delightful contrast. For a trendy twist, consider avocado toast—creamy avocados spread on toasted bread, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt and chili flakes. The richness of the avocado complements the quinoa salad without overwhelming it.
Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness, add depth and a rich contrast to the salad’s bright flavors. To complete your meal, a light white wine such as chilled Sauvignon Blanc can enhance the experience.
Its crisp acidity provides a refreshing balance to the creamy feta in the salad, making every bite even more enjoyable. These pairings come together to elevate your meal, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.
What is Costco Quinoa Salad?
Costco Quinoa Salad is a celebratory mix of cooked quinoa, fresh vegetables, and hearty legumes, elevated by a tangy dressing. It embodies everything we love about salads—crunchy, creamy, and oh-so-fresh.
The combination of textures and flavors in this dish offers a delightful experience with each bite. The best part? It can be prepared ahead of time, making it a perfect option for busy weekdays or as a festive side dish for gatherings.
Why This Recipe Works?
Why stick to just any salad when the Costco Quinoa Salad can tick every box on your list?
- Packed with Nutrients: This salad offers a powerhouse of nutrients thanks to its mixture of vegetables and quinoa. Quinoa is considered a complete protein, which means it provides all nine essential amino acids. Add in fresh veggies, and you’ve got a dish that fuels your body.
- Flavor Explosion: The dressing brings balance to the dish. With ingredients like lemon juice and garlic, it strikes a fine equilibrium between tartness and richness. Plus, the smoked paprika adds a lovely depth that you won’t find in your average salad.
- Versatile: Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking for a healthy side—this salad meets all dietary preferences. It’s easy to adjust your ingredients based on what you have on hand or the crowd you’re catering to.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Who doesn’t appreciate a dish that can be prepared in advance? Making this salad ahead of time allows all flavors to meld together beautifully. Just toss it in the fridge, and you’re good to go.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Costco Quinoa Salad
To create this delightful salad, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup sweet grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 medium red capsicum (bell pepper), diced
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, prepared following package instructions
- ½ medium red onion, finely minced
- ¾ cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
- 1 cup tender kale or baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped, with tough stems removed
- 1 medium seedless cucumber, finely diced
- ½ cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 can (425g) of cooked brown lentils, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup toasted sunflower seeds
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1½ lemons
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
How To Make This Quinoa Salad?
Let’s jump into the preparation! With just a few steps, you will have this fabulous salad ready to devour.
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. This step makes a significant difference in flavor. Next, combine it with double the amount of water in a pot. Bring it to a boil, cover, and let it simmer on low for about 15 minutes. Fluff it up with a fork once done.
Step 2: Prep Your Veggies
While the quinoa is cooking, chop up all the veggies. You want bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Feel free to let your creativity soar with colorful combinations that speak to you.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, and a bit of salt and pepper. Tasting is key! Adjust seasoning as necessary. The dressing should be tangy yet balanced.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, add it into a large mixing bowl along with the veggies, feta cheese, lentils, and sunflower seeds. Drizzle the dressing on top and toss gently until everything is combined.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to marry beautifully. Trust me; every minute makes a difference!
Tips
Here are some handy tips to make the most out of this salad:
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your produce matters. Fresh ingredients yield better taste and texture.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a dollop of Greek yogurt. It adds a lovely tang while making the salad richer.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add your favorite herbs or spices. Fresh basil or oregano can elevate your salad beyond the norm.
- Storage is Key: If you are making it ahead, store the dressing separately until serving to prevent sogginess.
- Double the Recipe: This salad stores well, so why not make a larger batch? Leftovers can be perfect for lunch the next day.
How to Store The Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. The salad will maintain its quality for about 3-5 days. The flavors may intensify as it sits, which can be a delightful surprise.
What are some recommended side dishes for Costco Quinoa Salad?
If you’re planning a meal, consider these delightful sides:
- Roasted Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn roasted on the grill, seasoned with lime and chili powder, can serve as a perfect counterpoint to the salad.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with warm, crunchy garlic bread that is perfect for slathering with butter. It complements almost any salad beautifully.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing side that’s easy to assemble.
- Fruit Salad: Sweet and juicy, a colorful fruit salad can cleanse your palate while providing a rainbow of nutrients.
Substitute Options for the Ingredients
Not every ingredient might be available. Here are some substitutes:
- Quinoa: Substitute with farro, brown rice, or couscous for a different texture while maintaining the grain base.
- Feta Cheese: If you need a dairy-free option, try tofu feta or omit the cheese altogether.
- Bell Pepper: You can replace bell peppers with diced zucchini or steamed broccoli for variation.
- Sunflower Seeds: Instead of sunflower seeds, you can use chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added crunch.
Conclusion
The Costco Quinoa Salad embodies versatility, flavor, and ease. Its vibrant colors and hearty ingredients not only make for an appealing dish but also contribute to a well-rounded diet. Plus, as you gather around with family and friends, this dish is sure to be a conversation starter.
With a little creativity and personalized touches, you can adapt it to suit your preferences effortlessly. So why not take a cue from this recipe?
Use it as a base to explore various ingredients and discover new flavors. Enjoy making it and watch it become a beloved part of your culinary repertoire!
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Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe – Simple Easy Meals
As a registered dietitian and a perpetual food enthusiast, I find joy in creating dishes that are not only healthy but also irresistibly tasty. Enter the Costco Quinoa Salad—a dish filled with colorful ingredients, packed with protein, and layered with flavors from a light, zesty dressing.
This salad captures the essence of simplicity and comfort, perfect for summer barbecues or as an easy lunch prep throughout the week. Trust me; it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation. Let’s dive into what makes this salad shine and how you can whip it up in no time.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients:
Dressing:
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
-
Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. This step makes a significant difference in flavor. Next, combine it with double the amount of water in a pot. Bring it to a boil, cover, and let it simmer on low for about 15 minutes. Fluff it up with a fork once done.
Step 2: Prep Your Veggies
-
While the quinoa is cooking, chop up all the veggies. You want bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Feel free to let your creativity soar with colorful combinations that speak to you.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
-
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, and a bit of salt and pepper. Tasting is key! Adjust seasoning as necessary. The dressing should be tangy yet balanced.
Step 4: Combine Everything
-
Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, add it into a large mixing bowl along with the veggies, feta cheese, lentils, and sunflower seeds. Drizzle the dressing on top and toss gently until everything is combined.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
-
Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to marry beautifully. Trust me; every minute makes a difference!
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 191kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7.9g13%
- Saturated Fat 1.6g8%
- Trans Fat 0.1g
- Cholesterol 5mg2%
- Sodium 134mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 24g8%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your produce matters. Fresh ingredients yield better taste and texture.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a dollop of Greek yogurt. It adds a lovely tang while making the salad richer.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add your favorite herbs or spices. Fresh basil or oregano can elevate your salad beyond the norm.
- Storage is Key: If you are making it ahead, store the dressing separately until serving to prevent sogginess.
- Double the Recipe: This salad stores well, so why not make a larger batch? Leftovers can be perfect for lunch the next day.
