Name: Fresh Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas, Pistachios, and Feta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, uncooked; 2 cups water; 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed; ½ cup pistachios, chopped; ½ cup parsley, chopped; 1 cup cucumber, chopped; ⅓ cup red onion, chopped; ½ cup mint, chopped; ½ cup feta cheese; 1 medium lemon, juiced; ¼ cup olive oil; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 43 reviews

If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures in every bite, this Fresh Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas, Pistachios, and Feta Recipe is exactly what you need. Light yet satisfying, it combines fluffy quinoa, creamy feta, nutty pistachios, and zesty lemon dressing for a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a healthy side at dinner, and it manages to balance freshness with hearty ingredients in the best way possible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up view of a bowl filled with six main layers of ingredients arranged side by side. On the top left, there are whole beige chickpeas with a smooth texture. Next to them, on the top center, is a pile of chopped pistachios in a mix of green and yellow shades, showing a rough texture. Below the pistachios, on the bottom left, is a layer of white crumbled cheese with a soft, crumbly texture. To the right of the cheese, in the bottom center, are bright green cucumber pieces cut into small cubes with a fresh, glossy look. Next to the cucumbers, on the bottom right, are purple diced onions with a shiny, firm look. Finally, on the top right, is a pile of finely chopped dark green herbs, likely parsley or cilantro, with a leafy texture. The ingredients sit in a neutral light gray bowl on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe sticks to simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly but create a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, whether for crunch, creaminess, or refreshing brightness.

Quinoa (1 cup uncooked): The protein-packed, fluffy base that’s naturally gluten-free and soaks up all the gorgeous flavors.
Water (2 cups): Essential for cooking the quinoa to perfect tenderness without any fuss.
Chickpeas (15 oz, drained and rinsed): Adding creaminess and a satisfying bite, these are your plant-based protein superstar.
Pistachios (½ cup chopped): A delightful crunch and a buttery, nutty taste that takes this salad up a notch.
Parsley (½ cup chopped): Loads of fresh, herbaceous flavor to brighten every forkful.
Cucumber (1 cup chopped): Adds a refreshing, crisp element that balances out richer ingredients.
Red onion (⅓ cup chopped): A little bit of sharpness and color to wake up your palate.
Mint (½ cup chopped): This fragrant herb brings a cool burst that complements the lemon perfectly.
Feta cheese (½ cup): Creamy, salty, and slightly tangy—it melts on the tongue and lifts the salad.
Lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon): The citrusy zing that ties everything together with a fresh, zippy finish.
Olive oil (¼ cup): Rich and smooth, it creates the perfect dressing base that coats every ingredient.
Kosher salt (to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors without overpowering.
Black pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle hint of warmth and spice.

How to Make Fresh Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas, Pistachios, and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitterness, then combine it with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until all the water is absorbed—about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool completely before mixing it into the salad. This step is key for that light, fluffy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

While the quinoa cools down, chop up your cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint. The freshness of these chopped veggies and herbs will elevate the salad’s flavor and add wonderful texture contrasts.

Step 3: Mix the Salad Components

In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chickpeas, chopped pistachios, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint. Crumble the feta cheese on top gently, so it remains in delightful little pockets throughout the salad.

Step 4: Whisk the Dressing and Toss

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until emulsified. Pour this over the salad and toss everything gently but thoroughly so that all the flavors mingle beautifully without breaking up the ingredients.

How to Serve Fresh Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas, Pistachios, and Feta Recipe

The image shows nine small bowls with different ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top: a white square bowl with a smooth pale yellow liquid, a clear round bowl with bright green chopped herbs, a white round bowl filled with light brown chickpeas, a clear round bowl with fresh green chopped leaves, a large clear round bowl with light yellow cooked grains, a clear round bowl with dark green chopped cucumber pieces, a white round bowl with white crumbly cheese, a white round bowl containing light golden olive oil, a clear round bowl with chopped purple onion, and a white square bowl holding a mix of crushed pistachios with green and brown hues. Each bowl is arranged neatly, and the colors of the ingredients contrast well with the clean background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop, consider sprinkling some additional chopped pistachios or a few sprigs of fresh mint right before serving. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds a lovely sheen and depth, making every bite even more mouthwatering.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or alongside warm pita bread to scoop up all the delicious bits. It also shines on its own as a hearty, healthy lunch or a refreshing dish at any BBQ or picnic.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve this salad inside hollowed-out cucumbers or colorful bell peppers for natural edible bowls. Alternatively, layered in clear glasses, it makes for an eye-catching, vibrant appetizer that will definitely spark conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Fresh Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas, Pistachios, and Feta Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container, and it actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld!

Freezing

Since this is a fresh salad with delicate greens and cheese, freezing is not recommended—it can compromise the texture, especially the herbs and feta.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want, you can let it sit outside the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pecans can add a delicious crunch, though pistachios offer a unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with the feta and herbs.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free thanks to quinoa being a seed, not a grain, and all other ingredients fitting the bill as well.

Can I prepare the salad without feta cheese?

If you’re avoiding dairy, you can skip the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative. The salad will still be flavorful and satisfying.

How long does quinoa take to cook?

Quinoa usually cooks in about 15 minutes once it reaches a boil and then simmers. Make sure to fluff it with a fork to keep it light and fluffy!

What’s the best way to keep the herbs tasting fresh?

Chop them just before mixing the salad, or if prepping ahead, store chopped herbs wrapped in a damp paper towel inside an airtight container in the fridge for best freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about creating and sharing a dish like the Fresh Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas, Pistachios, and Feta Recipe. It’s vibrant, nourishing, and packed with textures and tastes that make every bite exciting. Give it a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite salad to bring to every gathering or enjoy as a wholesome everyday meal!

Fresh Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas, Pistachios, and Feta Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need