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Quinoa Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing

35 min

Main

Salad

This salad is a light and fresh meal idea, which is just perfect for the hot summer months. Delicious enjoyed both warm or cold, as a side or main dish.

Servings

Total

35 min

Prep

10 min

Cook

25 min

Contains

Soy symbol

soy

Sesame symbol

sesame

Swap out

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Gluten symbol

gluten

Free from

Peanut symbol

peanut

Ingredients

Roasted garlic

  • 1
    head garlic
  • 1 tsp (5 mL)
    olive oil

Salad

  • ¾ cup (128 g)
  • 1½ cups (360 mL)
    water
  • 1
    red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1
    yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1
    medium tomato, chopped
  • 1
    stalk green onion, thinly sliced
  • cucumber, diced
  • ¼ cup (40 g)
  • ¼ cup (34 g)
    kalamata olives, chopped
  • 1 cup (164 g)
    cooked chickpeas
  • ⅓ cup (46 g)
    roasted unsalted almonds, chopped (optional)

Dressing

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C)*. Cut the top ½ cm off the head of garlic to expose the cloves.
  2. Place it on a baking tray. Drizzle with oil.
  3. Roast for 20 - 25 minutes, or until golden and softened.
  4. Meanwhile, add the quinoa and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes.
  5. Then remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and keep covered for a few more minutes to further soften the grains.
  6. Meanwhile, prep the veggies, cranberries, and olives. Transfer to a large bowl.
  7. Add the cooked quinoa and chickpeas to the bowl as well. Toss to combine.
  8. Remove the roasted cloves of garlic from the skin and place in a bowl, mash with a fork, and then add the remaining dressing ingredients. Stir.
  9. Pour dressing over the salad and toss. Top with the roasted almonds, and enjoy!

Notes

  • * We used top and bottom heating (not fan-assisted/convection).

Storage

  • Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Let us know what you think

Watch it step-by-step!

Plate method

The Plate Method is a visual tool that helps us ensure our dietary needs are on track. Touch the image below to see how this recipe measures up.

Grains & Starches 28%

uncooked quinoa

Proteins 18%

cooked chickpeas

roasted unsalted almonds

tahini

Fruits & Veggies 54%

head garlic

red bell pepper

yellow bell pepper

medium tomato

stalk green onion

cucumber

dried cranberries

kalamata olives

lemon

Calcium
No significant sources of calcium
Fat

olive oil

kalamata olives

roasted unsalted almonds

extra virgin olive oil

tahini

Nutrition info

Focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. For specific nutrition needs due to a medical condition, consult a dietitian or physician. While we strive to provide accurate nutritional information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. See our disclaimer for details.

Show nutrition info  

More for the eyes

Process image of Quinoa Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing Process image of Quinoa Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing Process image of Quinoa Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing

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Thaine - Dec. 9, 2024, 3:38 p.m.

Great recipe. I only had half a cup of quinoa so i added some fusilli and it was amazing.


Leslie - Aug. 16, 2024, 9:47 a.m.

This was great!


Ash - July 21, 2024, 5:55 a.m.

Thanks for the great recipe! It came out so well and so tasty.

I, however, had a question on the protein content shown according to the plate method. It says protein is 18% of the source, but doesn't count quinoa as a source. Won't quinoa take up the protein content and take down the starches?

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 21, 2024, 4:51 p.m.

Hey Ash, so glad that the salad was enjoyed! Thanks for the question about the plate method as well. Quinoa is a protein source and contributes to the overall protein count. However, in the plate method, it's typically classified as a starch because of its carbohydrate content and its role as a grain in meals. To keep things simple, we focus on one main food group (protein, grains, or fruits and veggies) per ingredient. This is why chickpeas only count as a protein on the plate method overview even though they also are a source of carbohydrates as well. Hope this helps for now 🤗


Sanne - July 1, 2024, 8:42 p.m.

This is a quick and easy dish to make for meal prep. I omitted the cranberries because I didn't have any and I used slivered almonds instead of the chopped ones. I mixed the dressing in along with the salad ingredients right at the beginning but it still stayed fresh for the next 3 days.

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 2, 2024, 1:33 a.m.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the salad, Sanne!


Kathi - June 22, 2024, 7:12 a.m.

Another banger! 😍
Just the perfect lunch when it's only the beginning of summer and it's already 29 degrees in your apartment. 😂😭
I was wondering if there is a feature in the app that I can create lists of recipes with? I'd love to make a summer or hot day recipe list or a winter comfort food one.

PUL small logo PUL Team - June 25, 2024, 8:04 p.m.

So happy to hear you enjoyed the salad and dressing, Kathi! It's not currently possible to create custom lists on the app, but we have this as an idea for the future. In the meantime as a workaround, you could still save or like recipes and filter with our "summer" or "winter" tags. You could also add a custom note under the directions tab. Stay cool out there ☀️


Luiza Alice - May 9, 2024, 8:28 p.m.

Delicious !!
It’s fourth day in a row that I had salads for lunch, from your app, and I NEVER have only salads for lunch, so I feel so good:)
4*, cause I saw tahini in dressing, and as it failed spectacularly just yesterday in your other recipe for lentil salad, I skipped it ( it works for me in Asian recipes and chocolate pancakes :)


Kia Horner - April 26, 2024, 3:14 a.m.

Our family of 7 loved this meal. It’s such a great filling and balanced meal with so much great flavor! Will make again soon.


Tiina - March 5, 2024, 5:48 a.m.

I made this for my step-daughter's baby shower and it was a hit! And it is fast becoming one of my go-to salads. It's summer in Australia at the moment and this is so light and refreshing. I cannot eat garlic so used garlic oil instead and it worked a treat. I also added some rocket which added some lovely colour/flavour. This is a fairly forgiving recipe so that you an omit and change the ingredients to what you have on hand. Luckily I could use the cucumber, tomato, green onion and capsicum straight from our garden. Highly recommend! Thank you Sadia. :-)

PUL small logo PUL Team - March 5, 2024, 7:17 a.m.

How special that the recipe was enjoyed at the baby shower, Tiina! Using garlic oil is a clever swap and it's great to hear you could use fresh garden ingredients too. Thanks for sharing your experience with the salad 🤗


Angi - Jan. 23, 2024, 12:20 a.m.

This was delicious! Finding the recipe was fun, I used the filter and plugged in a couple ingredients I had on hand. I added chopped cabbage (which I heated just a bit to soften at the end) I added carrots (chopped but would shave them next time). For the dressing I did omit the soy and instead used a sherry vinegar in addition the balsamic - and no dressing is complete without garlic so I added that as well. I did not have crasins or any other dried fruit that’s okay tho!

Mixed all the veggies together then warmed in a pan with the quinoa. Then I added the dressing. Sooo good! Thank you for. A great website and a wonderful recipe *chefs kiss*

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 23, 2024, 1:49 a.m.

Woohoo! Thanks a bunch for taking the time to share your experience with the salad and dressing, Angi. Happy cooking 🤗


Juala - Jan. 11, 2024, 1:59 p.m.

I loved this salad. It's tasty and filling. The almonds go really well with it and give it a crunch. The only thing I did not add was the dried cranberries, because I'm team "dried fruits do not belong anywhere" 🤣

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 11, 2024, 8:29 p.m.

Aww thanks for the heartwarming review, Juala! Team dried fruits don't mind that 😅

Luiza Alice - May 9, 2024, 1:14 p.m.

Actually in granola cranberries are pretty good ( raisins are disgusting, always;) , just I DO bake them, contrary to Sadia advice, and that makes a difference ! They’re no goouy(?) at all, but crispy and acidic , you should try !


Jen - June 28, 2023, 6:30 p.m.

Amazing dressing! I use it on everything! Just an FYI, the recipe doesn’t show a head of garlic in the ingredients list:)

PUL small logo PUL Team - June 29, 2023, 9:46 p.m.

Hey Jen! Can you see the head of garlic under the "Roasted garlic" heading? We see it on our ends 🤗


Shalon - June 15, 2023, 12:47 a.m.

Wow, this dish is delicious! The directions were easy to follow and I was able to find all of the ingredients at middle eastern market in my neighborhood. I’m excited to try other recipes and will definitely make this salad again.

Thank you❣️

PUL small logo PUL Team - June 15, 2023, 2:39 a.m.

Super happy to hear, Shalon - thank you! 😃


Aleev - May 6, 2023, 10:52 p.m.

This is such a good salad, especially the addition of roasted almonds. Didn’t have any quinoa so I made it with brown rice. Definitely going to make it again


Liz C - April 12, 2023, 5:57 a.m.

This was delicious!!! I didn’t find the garlic overwhelming at all (even to my breath :)). I brought it to a potluck and it was a hit.

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 13, 2023, 12:15 a.m.

So happy to hear, Liz, thank you 😃


KT - Oct. 24, 2022, 4:01 a.m.

So. Good.

I made this as meal prep for weekday lunches. I omitted the cucumber, olives, and tomatoes to prevent the salad from getting soggy, then added them right before lunch each day. So delicious and filling!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Oct. 25, 2022, 6:47 a.m.

A lovely idea, KT, and we're so glad the salad was enjoyed!


Ana - Aug. 6, 2022, 12:58 p.m.

Love this. Best way to prep and cook quinoa?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 6, 2022, 7:16 p.m.

Hey there, Ana, thank you! There are many ways, but one includes rinsing one part quinoa, adding it to a saucepan with two parts water, bringing it to a boil, reducing it to a simmer, and then covering it to let it cook. Usually, one cup of quinoa takes around 15 minutes to cook. Other methods may include using a rice cooker. It's always best to check the package instructions first though, as liquid and cooking times can vary :)

Ana - Aug. 16, 2022, 1:54 p.m.

Hi. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and help me out! Have a great day!!


Kasumi - June 17, 2022, 8:33 a.m.

I love the recipe! But we have to stop making it since my son is allergic to sesame :-/ Do you have an idea for a swap? <3

PUL small logo PUL Team - June 19, 2022, 2:04 a.m.

Hey Kasumi! You could omit it or experiment with an alternative nut or seed butter such as sunflower seed butter, cashew butter or almond butter 🙂


DIY - May 9, 2022, 7:31 p.m.

Love the recipe. refreshing, easy, and filling. I did it with red quinoa.
Is there a difference between white and red?

PUL small logo PUL Team - May 9, 2022, 9:50 p.m.

So glad it was enjoyed, DIY! Both red and white quinoa make for nourishing choices although red quinoa tends to be a bit nuttier and heavier than white. Since white quinoa is a bit of a lighter texture it also tends to cook faster 🙂


Saurabh - Feb. 20, 2022, 11:33 a.m.

Hi Sadia! I don't have an oven. I know it's not the same, but is there a way I can still make this recipe?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Feb. 20, 2022, 9:38 p.m.

Hey Saurabh, the oven in this one just serves to roast the garlic. You can roast it on the stove-top instead by adding peeled garlic cloves to a skillet on medium heat with some oil and cook it until it's softened. The more oil added the more golden it will get. Just be sure to stir it occasionally and keep a close eye so it doesn't burn. We hope you enjoy the recipe if you're able to give it a try 😊

Leslie - Aug. 16, 2024, 9:54 a.m.

I did mine in the air fryer.


Dylan - Aug. 26, 2021, 2:47 a.m.

This has been a staple for me. I usually like to do a baked tofu that I marinade overnight before hand with this. This is a really good meal prep option that I have done. I think I share other peoples concern with the garlic dressing. I have found that the taste is there and it works with the salad though I worry about the garlic breath. I have done other dressings with this salad as it is pretty versatile. I even like eating this with crackers like it were a dip as well. Great recipe. One of my favorites. Cheers.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 28, 2021, 6:41 p.m.

So glad you're enjoying this one, Dylan! It's one of our favourites too 😍


Aleksandra Jonczak - Aug. 3, 2021, 4:49 a.m.

Just made this and it's wonderful! So easy, so healthy and so filling! I added a carrot and some celery as well. You can put really any leftover veggies in this salad and it will turn out amazing.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 5, 2021, 4:13 a.m.

Love the idea to add some carrots and celery! Thanks, Aleksandra :)


Monica - Aug. 1, 2021, 12:31 a.m.

This is a really fresh salad and it tastes great. I almost always use lettuce in salads so this was a nice change. For me, the dressing was just a little bit too much effort for the pay off- it was good but not better than lemon and olive oil, which is much easier to make. Plus I like to make this to take to work, and the dressing has too much garlic for me to be comfortable talking to people after.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 4, 2021, 5:08 a.m.

Hi Monica, thanks for sharing the honest review! Super valuable to help us improve. We hope you enjoy the recipe (on a non-work day 😛) if you make it again, although feel free to use less garlic if desired to help with that ☺️


Sabine - July 24, 2021, 6:21 p.m.

Love this salad! I always make this recipe the day before my exam week starts, so I don't have to stress about dinner for an entire week and still eat healthy (which is very challenging for me when I'm stressed)!
I keep this I my fridge with a bag of leafy greens like spinach and then mix it with this salad + the AMAZING garlic dressing.

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 25, 2021, 11:50 p.m.

Aw so incredible you're able to meal prep before exams, Sabine! Thank you for taking the time to share. All the best with your studies ✨📚


Maria - July 13, 2021, 1 p.m.

I've made this recipe multiple times for my whole family and we all love it! It's so easy and flavorful and just is great any time of the year. We're Italian so we all love garlic, so I tend to use all of the garlic recommended! If you are more used to a more sweet dressing, pull back on the lemon and garlic. I personally like the intense dressing, I think it makes it so fresh tasting. :)

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 18, 2021, 12:21 a.m.

Oh, Maria, thanks a bunch for the lovely review - it means so much!


Catharina - July 12, 2021, 9:31 p.m.

I love this website! My partner and I use recipes from here daily. This recipe was great, however, my dressing didn't turn out. The lemon flavour was so intense we couldn't taste any garlic. In fact, it completely overpowered the salad. I checked and I put the correct amount of lemon in, 2 lemons. Any advice to improve the dressing?

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 16, 2021, 1:34 a.m.

We're so grateful to hear you're enjoying the new website, Catharina! How disappointing about the salad dressing. Adding a bit of sugar or perhaps even the slightest amount of baking soda may help counteract the acidic taste to salvage it. We'd suggest using medium-sized lemons if possible next time if yours were larger? Let us know how it goes ✨


Jaspreet Jawandha - July 9, 2021, 4:18 a.m.

Another one of my regular meals from PUL. I use the sauce for other recipes also. So much to learn from your videos beyond the recipe itself. Thanks Sadia.


Agate - July 9, 2021, 1:03 a.m.

We make this recipe regularly :) But we typically add extra cranberries and use a bit less quinoa


Angeliki Tsioli - May 15, 2021, 8:48 p.m.

Hi Sadia!
Do you really use all the cloves of the garlic head in this dressing? Or do you keep some cloves for another salad, another day?
I made this salad with some swaps (soya beans instead of chickpeas, vegetables that I had in the fridge, etc) and I used half of the roasted cloves. In your video, I have the impression you don't use the whole head. And I can say the dressing is the king of this salad!
Better put, dressings are always the kings of each salad. Or the queens?!
Cheers!

PUL small logo PUL Team - May 16, 2021, 12:44 a.m.

Hey Angeliki, so glad you enjoyed the salad! Hehe a crown for the dressing 👑

We indeed did use the whole head, which can totally seem like a lot! Since the garlic is roasted, it kind of gets caramelized which reduces the flavour intensity by making it a bit sweeter. Feel free to stick to half if desired though :)

Angeliki Tsioli - May 16, 2021, 12:50 a.m.

Thank you for the reply!
I also wanted to congratulate on the new website, since it is finally possible to comment directly a specific recipe (in the old one the comments were all mixed up somehow) !

PUL small logo PUL Team - May 16, 2021, 12:55 a.m.

Our pleasure 😃 We also appreciate this so much, Angeliki! We're happy the comments are more organized now too!