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    Home » Salads

    Published: Jul 24, 2018 · Modified: Jul 21, 2020 by Libby Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment · 832 words. · About 5 minutes to read this article.

    Easy Moroccan Quinoa Salad

    Jump to Recipe

    Moroccan Quinoa Salad - a simple salad recipe featuring zucchini, quinoa, chickpeas, spinach, almonds and herbs. This salad is absolutely perfect for your next BBQ or potluck!

    Moroccan quinoa salad

    Quinoa has certainly enjoyed its time in the limelight recently. It does, after all, contain plant-based complete protein, which is fairly uncommon in the plant-based world. 

    Quinoa is thought to be a grain, but it’s actually a seed native to South America. I am a huge fan of quinoa, mostly because it cooks up relatively quickly and adds texture and nutrients to any meal. 

    With BBQ season in full swing, I wanted to create a flavorful quinoa-based dish packed with summer veggies. A meal that can be prepared in advance is always helpful. And this Moroccan quinoa Salad is just that. It’s fresh and flavorful, gluten-free and vegan! It works great as a plant-based main dish or hearty side salad that comes together in just over 30 minutes. 

    Hi there! Below you’ll find affiliate links to great products that we enjoy using in our own kitchen.

    • moroccan quinoa salad
    • Moroccan quinoa salad

    Ready to make this easy Moroccan Quinoa Salad? Let’s go!

    1 - Cook quinoa. Combine quinoa and water or broth in a medium pot. Bring to a boil and let simmer until quinoa is tender, 20-25 minutes. 

    2 - Saute. Heat the oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and shallots for about 2 minutes, add zucchini and saute for another 5-8 minutes. 

    3 - Prepare the dressing. Combine dressing ingredients in a mason jar or small bowl and shake or whisk until combined. 

    4 - Serve. Combine quinoa, zucchini mixture, chickpeas, raisins, almonds, spinach, herbs, green onions and dressing. Stir to combine. Enjoy!

    Moroccan quinoa salad

    Moroccan Quinoa Salad: Tips, Tricks and Tools

    The recommended tools for this simple quinoa salad include a medium pot and mixing bowls. You’ll also seed a quality knife and cutting board. 

    Be sure to rinse your quinoa thoroughly. Quinoa is coated in saponins (a naturally occurring compound that acts as the plant’s pest control) that can make the quinoa bitter, so it’s important to rinse all the saponins off. A quick and simple rinse will do the trick!

    Make ahead. This quinoa salad can be prepared in advance. It’s great for BBQs, picnics and potlucks. Add the dressing just before serving to keep things fresher. 

    Moroccan quinoa salad

    We hope you love this easy Moroccan Quinoa Salad!

    • Super simple and quick, perfect for a potluck or BBQ
    • The plant-based meal packed with veggies and plant-based protein
    • Great for a weeknight dinner or hearty side salad

    Love this summer salad recipe? Check out our other delicious Grain-Based Salad Recipes like this Mexican Corn Pasta Salad or our Fresh Spring Green Salad.

    Did you enjoy this Moroccan Quinoa Salad as much as we do?

    Comment below! And rate the recipe to let us know how it turned out. Not cooking today? Save this Moroccan Quinoa Salad for later by pinning it to your Salad Recipes Board and make sure to tag us at The Crooked Carrot Instagram to show us your Moroccan Quinoa Salad creations!

    Moroccan quinoa salad

    Moroccan Quinoa Salad

    Moroccan Quinoa Salad - a simple salad recipe featuring zucchini, quinoa, chickpeas, spinach, almonds and herbs. This salad is absolutely perfect for your next BBQ or potluck!
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    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 4 main dish servings
    Author: The Crooked Carrot

    Ingredients

    Quinoa Salad

    • 1 cup quinoa rinsed
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 shallot sliced
    • 1 cloves garlic minced
    • 1-2 zucchini halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced
    • 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas rinsed
    • 1 cup golden raisins
    • ½ cup almonds
    • 1 handful spinach roughly chopped
    • ½ cup parsley roughly chopped
    • ¼ cup mint julienne
    • 2 green onions sliced

    Dressing

    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne
    • 2 lemons juice + zest
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Cook quinoa: Combine quinoa and water in medium pot, bring to boil, then simmer and cook 20-25 minutes
    • Sauté: Heat a pan over medium heat, add olive oil, sauté garlic and shallot (about 2 minutes), add zucchini and sauté for another 5-8 minutes
    • Prepare the dressing: Combine dressing ingredients into a jar or bowl, whisk or shake until combined
    • Assemble: Combine the zucchini mixture with remaining ingredients, add dressing, stir to combine. Enjoy!

    Equipment

    • Stainless Steel Pot
    • Chef's Knife
    • Wood Cutting Board
    • Mixing Bowls

    Notes

    PREP AHEAD: This easy Moroccan Quinoa Salad recipe is a perfect make-ahead recipe that can be chilled and stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, or 5-6 days if the dressing is stored separately
    LEFTOVERS/STORAGE: Store in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to six days. Add dressing just before serving. 
    NUTRITION NOTES: This quinoa salad is high in plant-based protein, vitamin E and magnesium. It’s vegan, gluten-free and packed with fiber.  
    SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Great on its own or as a side dish for essentially anything. A potluck and BBQ favorite!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 441kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 975mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 1762IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 141mg | Iron: 5mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @crooked.carrot or tag #thecrookedcarrot!

    Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that should you purchase something through the link, The Crooked Carrot will receive a small commission. The item cost remains the same regardless of whether you purchase through our link or not. Any commission earned simply helps us continue to provide all our great content to you. From seasonal recipes to simple nutrition insights & sustainable zero waste tips, we have lots more to give!

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    About Libby

    Welcome! I'm Libby, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, photographer & co-adventurer with my husband Dalton. We love all things outdoors, making a mess in the kitchen, and exploring the adventure of life! Read more ↠

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    Libby Bloom RDN

    Hi, I'm Libby! Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Eco-warrior. I help people find food freedom, learn to nourish their bodies AND support a health planet.

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