Best 4 Quinoa Salad With Cucumber Recipes

Quinoa salad with cucumber is a refreshing and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Featuring a combination of protein-rich quinoa, crisp cucumber, tangy red onion, and a zesty dressing, this salad is a symphony of flavors and textures. Enjoy the crunch of the cucumber, the sweetness of the red onion, and the nutty flavor of the quinoa, all brought together by a dressing that bursts with flavor. With its vibrant colors and delightful taste, this quinoa salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate. In this article, we'll explore two variations of this delicious salad: a classic quinoa salad with cucumber and red onion, and a more adventurous version with feta cheese, mint, and a tangy lemon-tahini dressing. Both recipes are easy to follow and packed with flavor, making them perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

QUINOA SALAD WITH CUCUMBER

Quinoa Salad with Cucumber image

Quinoa with parsley and cucumber forms a fresh take on tabbouleh in this healthy salad.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Salad Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
Coarse salt
1 small shallot, finely chopped
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise (1 cup)
3/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

Bring water, quinoa, and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat; cover, and simmer until tender and water has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet, and let cool on a wire rack.
Combine shallot, vinegar, and red-pepper flakes in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil until emulsified.
Transfer quinoa to a large bowl, and stir in cucumber, parsley, and vinaigrette. Season with salt.

CUCUMBER QUINOA SALAD

Cucumber Quinoa Salad image

This Cucumber Quinoa Salad is made with lots of fresh basil and feta, tossed with a simple lemony vinaigrette, and it's SO fresh and delicious! Plus, it's naturally gluten-free and quick and easy to make.

Provided by Ali

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 English cucumber, diced
2 cups chilled* cooked quinoa (see this tutorial for how to cook quinoa)
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup julienned or roughly-chopped fresh basil leaves
1 batch Lemony Italian vinaigrette (see below)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, homemade or store-bought
pinch of salt and black pepper

Steps:

Toss all ingredients together until combined. Serve immediately.
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until combined.

QUINOA AND CUCUMBER SALAD RECIPE

Quinoa and Cucumber Salad Recipe image

This healthy salad is a perfect light side dish and can be made ahead. Perfect for BBQs and potlucks!

Provided by Andi Gleeson

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic (crushed)
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1 1/2 c. English cucumber (sliced thin)
1/2 sweet onion (sliced thin)
1-2 Roma tomatoes (seeded and diced)
3/4 c. uncooked quinoa

Steps:

In a medium bowl, stir together lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and basil. Add cucumber, onion, and tomato, and stir to coat. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least one hour or up to 24 hours. (You could serve this cucumber salad on its own!)
At least 30 minutes before ready to serve, bring quinoa, 1½ c. water, and a couple pinches of salt to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook 20 minutes. Then, transfer cooked quinoa to a serving bowl, fluff with fork, and allow to cool at least 10 minutes.
Stir cucumber mixture into quinoa and serve.

QUINOA AND CUCUMBER SALAD

Quinoa and Cucumber Salad image

This nutritious, easy-to-make Quinoa and Cucumber Salad makes a smart side dish or a light entree. The recipe comes from "Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast."

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Salad Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 cup water
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/4 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Steps:

Combine quinoa and the water in a medium saucepan; add salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and has absorbed all liquid, 11 to 13 minutes. (The germ ring should be visible along the outer edge of the grain.) Transfer to a medium bowl, and cool to room temperature.
Add vinegar, oil, cucumber, scallions, and parsley; season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Tips:

Choose the right quinoa: There are many different types of quinoa available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. For this recipe, we recommend using a white or tri-color quinoa, as they have a mild flavor that will complement the other ingredients well.
Cook the quinoa correctly: Quinoa is a very versatile grain that can be cooked in a variety of ways. For this recipe, we recommend cooking the quinoa in water or broth until it is light and fluffy. Be sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.
Choose fresh vegetables: The vegetables in this salad are what really make it shine. Be sure to use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overdress the salad: A little bit of dressing goes a long way with this salad. Be careful not to overdo it, or you'll end up with a soggy mess.
Serve immediately: This salad is best served immediately after it is made. The quinoa will start to absorb the dressing and become mushy if it sits for too long.

Conclusion:

This quinoa salad with cucumber is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it is also very easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.