Green Goddess Quinoa Salad

Green goddess quinoa salad is loaded with quinoa, green vegetables and protein. Quick and easy to assemble, this healthy vegetarian salad will keep you full and energized throughout the day.

Quinoa bowls and quinoa salads have been part of my lunch routine for years. They’re super quick and easy to assemble, perfect to customize with seasonal ingredients, and loaded with good-for-you ingredients that leaves you full and satisfied.

For a very long time, I didn’t intend to share these quinoa bowls here. After all, they’re so easy anyone can make them! But recently, I realized that these easy recipes can bring you some inspiration for the days we just don’t know what to cook. And we all have these days in our lives! So here’s a green goddess version, loaded with greens, healthy and nutritious!

The main components of a green goddess quinoa salad

The idea of a quinoa bowl or a quinoa salad is to add everything in one bowl, making sure all food categories are represented (fiber, protein, grain, dairy, fruits & vegetables, etc.).

• Quinoa. This is the grain used in the bowl, and it’s also a great source of plant-based protein. You can use any type of quinoa, but keep in mind that white quinoa, red quinoa and tri-color quinoa work best. Always rinse it before using.
• Green veggies. Here we count among green veggies the sautéed zucchini, the diced cucumber and the avocado. You could also add the edamame although not strictly vegetable per se (mostly a plant-based protein, see below).
• Plant-based protein. Both chickpeas and edamame are a great source of protein. You can use either one or the other, or like here both.
• Cheese. Feta brings some calcium to the quinoa salad.

A simple lemon Dijon vinaigrette

Once you gathered all of your ingredients, toss them together in a simple lemon Dijon vinaigrette prepared with olive oil. There is absolutely nothing fancy here, but the idea is to simply enhance the flavors without being overpowering in the salad. You can make the salad in a jar, seal with the lid and shake until emulsified, then pour over the salad. You can store it in the refrigerator for days.

Possible variations

There are so many possible ways to customize a green goddess quinoa bowl, the sky is the limit. Here are just a few ideas to consider:

• Green vegetables. I used sautéed zucchini, diced cucumber and avocado. Another possible version would be to use roasted broccolini and Brussels sprouts instead.
• Chickpeas can be replaced with navy beans, or you can simply add spoonfuls of hummus (which I do very often).
• Feta can be replaced with fresh goat cheese, ricotta or blue cheese for instance.
• For a vegan version, simply skip the feta cheese or replace with vegan feta cheese or vegan ricotta cheese (made out of almonds).
• Play with herbs! I love cilantro, but you could also replace with basil, or with fresh dill, or why not with my favorite herb combo cilantro-mint-parsley. So good!
• Replace the vinaigrette with this lemon dill dressing or this cashew basil dressing.

Green goddess quinoa salad: meal prep and storing instructions

Because it consists of fresh ingredients mostly, I do not recommend to prepare the salad ahead of time. However, you can prepare the main components (quinoa, sautéed zucchini, vinaigrette) and store separately. When ready to serve, simply assemble the quinoa bowl, add the dressing, and enjoy!

Other salads you may like:

• Avocado Raspberry Quinoa Salad
• Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Bowl
• Thai Peanut Quinoa Salad
• Romesco Pearl Couscous Bowl with Grilled Halloumi
• Radicchio Cabbage Salad with White Bean Hummus
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Green Goddess Quinoa Salad

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• Author: Delphine Fortin
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Salads
• Diet: Vegetarian

Green goddess quinoa salad is loaded with quinoa, green vegetables and protein. Quick and easy to assemble, this healthy vegetarian salad will keep you full and energized throughout the day.

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Ingredients

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For the green goddess quinoa salad:

• 1 ½ cup (250g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for serving
• 1–2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup (160g) edamame, frozen
• 1 14-ounces (400g) chickpeas, rinsed and pat-dried
• 3.5 ounces (100g) feta, crumbled
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ½ English cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1–2 spoonfuls hummus*
• Cilantro, chopped (for serving)
• Pepitas / pumpkin seeds (for serving)

For the vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon cumin (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Freshly black pepper

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Instructions

1. Place the quinoa in a large saucepan and cover with double its volume of water. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 15 additional minutes. Gently fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan placed over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the zucchini and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring from time to time, until golden on all sides. Add the herbes de Provence and season with salt and pepper.
3. If using frozen edamame, place in a bowl and cover with boiling water for about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the vinaigrette by adding all the ingredients to a glass jar. Close with a lid and shake until emulsified.
5. To assemble, divide the quinoa in the plates, then add the sautéed zucchini, the edamame, the chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, a few spoonfuls of hummus if desired, the sliced avocado and the diced cucumber. Garnish with chopped cilantro, pepitas, and drizzle the dressing all over. Enjoy!

Notes

* Hummus is optional in this recipe. You can use purchased hummus or make your own, following this garlic hummus recipe.

Gluten-Free, Healthy, Quick & Easy, Quinoa, Salads & Bowls, Spring, Summer, Year Round, Zucchini

Did you make this recipe?

Lastly, if you make this Green Goddess Quinoa Salad, be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. And of course, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Thank you and enjoy!