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Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dressing
Cuisine: American
Calories: 191
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients:
  • 1 cup sweet grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
  • 1 medium red capsicum, diced bell pepper
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa, prepared following package instructions
  • 1/2 medium red onion, finely minced
  • 3/4 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
  • 1/2 cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 can of cooked brown lentils, drained and rinsed 425g
  • 1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lemons Juice
  • 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

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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!

Notes

  • 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.