I love making salads that are fun to eat and good for you. This Bean Salad with Quinoa is one of my favorites! It’s crunchy, creamy, tangy, and full of flavor. The crispy quinoa on top is so cool it adds a yummy crunch that makes this salad extra special. You’ll also get lots of protein and fiber from the beans and veggies. It’s a super satisfying meal that’s easy to make!
👩🍳 Method
Crispy Quinoa Magic
To make the quinoa nice and crispy, you’ll first need to cook it the way it says on the package. Once the quinoa is cooked, place it in a bowl and drizzle a little bit of olive oil over it. Add a small pinch of salt and mix it all together with a spoon. This helps it get that tasty, golden crunch!
Now, it’s time to bake it. If you’re using an air fryer, set it to 180°C (about 350°F) and cook the quinoa for 20 minutes. Make sure to open the air fryer and give the quinoa a stir a few times while it cooks so all the little pieces get crispy.
If you’re using an oven, spread the quinoa on a baking sheet and bake it at the same temperature for about 25 minutes. Be sure to stir it halfway through the cooking time to stop it from burning. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool down completely. This step is important if it’s still hot when you add it to the salad, it could make everything soggy!
Make the Dressing
While the quinoa is baking, you can get started on the dressing. Grab a small jar or container with a lid. Pour in the olive oil, red vinegar, and lemon juice. Then add the garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Put the lid on and shake the jar until everything is well mixed. It should look smooth and smell tangy and fresh. You can also stir it with a spoon if you don’t have a lid.
Build the Salad
Now comes the fun part putting the salad together! In a big mixing bowl, add your chopped cucumber, drained cannellini beans, crumbled feta cheese, pickled red onions, and freshly chopped dill. These ingredients add color, creaminess, and crunch. Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the salad. Use a big spoon or spatula to toss everything so the dressing coats all the ingredients nicely.
When the crispy quinoa is cool, sprinkle it on top. Give the salad one last gentle mix so the crunch stays on top and doesn’t get soggy. Now it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
🛠️ Necessary Tools
- Air fryer or oven
- Large mixing bowl
- Small jar (for dressing)
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
🥗 Bean Salad with Quinoa – A Crunchy, Healthy Bowl Full of Goodness!
Cuisine: Bolivia, Chile, PeruDifficulty: Easy2
servings15
minutes20
minutes35
minutesIngredients
For the Salad:
90g quinoa (dry weight), cooked
1 cucumber, chopped
70g feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup pickled red onion
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
A handful of fresh dill, chopped
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red vinegar
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp salt
Directions
- Crispy Quinoa Magic:
Take your already cooked quinoa. Add a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
Air Fryer: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes. Stir a few times for even crispiness.
Oven: Bake for 25 minutes at the same temperature. Stir halfway through.
Let the crispy quinoa cool down completely before using. - Make the Dressing:
In a small jar, add olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, and salt. Shake it up until it’s all mixed! - Build the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine cucumber, beans, feta, dill, and pickled onions. Pour in the dressing and toss it all together.
Finally, sprinkle the crispy quinoa on top. Mix gently and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the quinoa is fully cooked before baking it. Dry quinoa won’t get crispy!
- Don’t forget to stir the quinoa while baking or it may burn in some spots.
- Let the crispy quinoa cool down before adding it to the salad, or it may turn soggy.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve it cold for lunch or a light dinner.
- Tastes great on its own or with toasted pita bread.
- You can even scoop it into lettuce cups for a fun snack!
🎉 Fun Fact
Did you know quinoa is a seed, not a grain? But it cooks like rice and is packed with protein, which makes it perfect for salads like this!
✅ Conclusion
This Bean Salad with Quinoa is crunchy, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s easy to make and gives your body lots of good stuff like fiber and protein. I love how the crispy quinoa makes it feel special. Give it a try you might find a new favorite salad!
