Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe

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This vegetarian quinoa salad is a delightful and nutritious dish inspired by the popular Costco version. It’s packed with protein from quinoa and lentils, alongside a variety of fresh vegetables. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 cup dry quinoa (cooked according to package instructions)
• 1 can (425g) brown lentils (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 medium English cucumber (diced)
• ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled, optional for vegans)
• ½ medium red onion (chopped)
• ¾ cup parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 cup kale leaves or spinach (chopped, stems removed)
• 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Juice of 1.5 medium lemons
• ½ tablespoon honey (or agave syrup for vegans)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic (pressed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Quinoa:
   • Rinse 1 cup of dry quinoa under cold water.
   • Cook according to package instructions, usually about 15 minutes in boiling water. Allow it to cool.
2. Cook the Lentils:
   • If using dry lentils, rinse them and boil in water for about 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool. Canned lentils can be used for convenience.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese (if using), red onion, parsley, kale or spinach, and red bell pepper.
4. Make the Dressing:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix Salad and Dressing:
   • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until well combined.
6. Chill and Serve:
   • For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Tips

• Feel free to customize this salad with any seasonal vegetables or herbs you have on hand.
• For added flavor, consider incorporating spices such as cumin or smoked paprika into the dressing.

Variations of the Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe

The Costco quinoa salad can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some popular variations:

• Mediterranean Style: Add feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Asian Fusion: Incorporate edamame, shredded carrots, and a sesame ginger dressing.
• Mexican Twist: Include black beans, corn, cilantro, and a lime-cumin dressing.
• Italian Influence: Toss in mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic glaze.
• Middle-Eastern Variation: Add chickpeas, raisins, mint, and a tahini lemon dressing.
• Seasonal Variations: For winter, include roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts; for summer, add fresh berries and avocado.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute various ingredients in the Costco quinoa salad to cater to your preferences:

• Lentils: Omit them or replace with more quinoa if desired.
• Quinoa: Use any color of quinoa (red, black) or substitute with couscous or bulgur.
• Vegetables: Swap out any fresh vegetables based on availability or preference (e.g., mushrooms, broccoli, or asparagus).
• Dressing: Modify the dressing by using different vinegars (like balsamic) or sweeteners (like maple syrup instead of honey) to suit your taste.

Shelf Life in the Fridge

The Costco quinoa salad can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. For optimal freshness and flavor, it’s best consumed within this timeframe24.

Other Salads with Quinoa and Lentils

If you’re looking for more salads that incorporate quinoa and lentils, consider these options:

• Quinoa and Lentil Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and a lemon dressing.
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Combine quinoa with lentils, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
• Quinoa-Lentil Chickpea Salad: Mix cooked quinoa and lentils with chickpeas, diced vegetables, and a tahini dressing.

Vegan Versions of the Costco Quinoa Salad

The Costco quinoa salad can easily be made vegan by ensuring that no animal products are included. This includes omitting feta cheese or replacing it with a vegan alternative. The dressing can also be made vegan by substituting honey with agave syrup or maple syrup. Many recipes already offer vegan versions that maintain the delicious flavors of the original salad while being entirely plant-based.

This recipe not only mimics the beloved Costco salad but also allows you to control the ingredients for a healthier option. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant quinoa salad!