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Whole Foods Quinoa Salad Recipe

Whole Foods Quinoa Salad Recipe - Simple Easy Meals

Salad doesn’t have to be boring. That’s where this whole foods quinoa salad comes in. Quinoa is packed with protein and fiber, making it an excellent base. 
Trust me, I was skeptical about letting quinoa shine, but once I gave it a shot, I was hooked. The ingredients are simple, yet they create a delightful explosion of flavors. This dish transforms any meal into a nutrition-packed feast.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dressing
Cuisine: American
Calories: 298

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 2 cups filtered water
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup thawed edamame beans
  • 1/4 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/4 red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh sunflower microgreens, optional, washed and chopped
Dressing:
  • 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 limes zest and Juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons raw honey
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Method
 

Step 1: Rinse the Quinoa
  1. First, place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cool water. This step rinses off any bitterness. Quinoa is like a person who just had a rough day. A good rinse makes it much better!
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with two cups of filtered water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once the water has absorbed, fluff the quinoa with a fork. Set it aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
  1. While the quinoa cools, grab a small bowl. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, and raw honey. Add salt and black pepper to taste. It should taste vibrant but not overpowering. If you can’t resist, dip a spoon in for a little taste!
Step 4: Chop the Veggies
  1. Now, chop the red onion, cucumber, red bell pepper, and cilantro. Make sure to dice everything into small, even pieces for consistency.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the shredded coconut, sliced almonds, edamame, chopped veggies, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently. Make sure each ingredient is coated, so they mingle well.
Step 6: Final Touches
  1. For a pop of color, sprinkle sunflower microgreens on top, and give it a light toss. The microgreens add a touch of whimsy and look fantastic!

Notes

  • Allow it to chill: Letting the salad sit for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld. The longer, the better!
  • Use high-quality ingredients: Quality matters. Go for the best olive oil and honey you can find.
  • Don’t skip the rinsing: It’s key for that fresh taste.
  • Make it ahead: This salad lasts in the fridge for up to three days. Perfect for meal prepping!
  • Experiment with the dressing: Feel free to add herbs or spices to the dressing for your twist!