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italian quinoa salad topped with avocado slices in ceramic serving bowl with serving spoon in dish.
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5 from 17 votes

Italian Quinoa Salad

Fresh, zesty, and full of bright flavors, this Italian Quinoa Pasta Salad is a heartier take on a classic Italian Chopped Salad. Switch out the lettuce base for a hearty grain and the salad becomes a super satisfying meal!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Chill Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Appetizer, lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 4
Calories: 744kcal

Equipment

  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Sauce pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Rubber Spatula
  • small jar

Ingredients

  • 2 bags Success Boil-in-Bag Tri-Color Quinoa ~2 cups cooked
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes diced
  • 1 cup English cucumber diced
  • cup red onion diced
  • cup crumbled feta
  • cup shaved parmesan
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley
  • 1 avocado
  • cup diced salami
  • ½ cup favorite Italian dressing OR see dressing ingredients below

For the Dressing

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • ½ packet Italian dressing seasoning mixture
  • 1 tsp honey optional

Instructions

  • Start by preparing the Success Boil-in-Bag Quinoa according to box instructions. Let cool to room temperature before adding to the salad.
  • While the quinoa is cooking, dice cherry tomatoes, red peppers, red onion, and cucumber. Slice the avocado and salami and finely dice Italian parsley.
  • In a large bowl, add all of the salad ingredients together: cooked quinoa, diced vegetables, cheese, parsley, avocado and salami. Toss together.
  • If making the homemade dressing, add all of the dressing ingredients to a small jar and shake to mix.
  • Pour dressing over the salad and toss again.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve chilled!

Video

Notes

If you’re making this salad in advance or for meal prep, keep the dressing separate until just before enjoying. Any grain will soak up the dressing when stored.
Chop all of the salad ingredients finely so you’re able to get the most flavor in each bite. (I love using a vegetable chopper!)  

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 744kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 29g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 1605mg | Potassium: 772mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 12g