Vibrant Rainbow Quinoa Salad with Pesto & Chickpeas
Updated: Sep 24
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This Vibrant Rainbow Quinoa Salad features crunchy veggies, chickpeas, and toasted pine nuts tossed in fresh pesto. Top with avocado for the tasty, satisfying, and healthy meal!
Why You Will Love This Gluten-Free Quinoa Salad with Pesto
Packed with Plant-Powered Protein: Hearty quinoa and chickpeas create a satisfying, nutrient-dense base that keeps you full and energized without feeling heavy.
Loaded with Fresh Crunch: Every bite delivers a mix of textures—crispy bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and fresh cucumbers bring bright summer flavor to the bowl.
Elevated by Homemade Flavor: Cooking the quinoa in savory bone broth infuses deep flavor into every grain, while a drizzle of fresh, dairy-free pine nut pesto adds a vibrant, herbal kick.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Holds up well in the fridge without getting soggy, making it an ideal make-ahead lunch or dinner side for busy weekdays.
Quinoa salads are among my favorite dishes to eat in the summer. I love combining hearty, fresh, and nourishing seasonal ingredients, then topping them with a delicious dressing. This Vibrant Rainbow Quinoa Salad with Pesto & Cucumber checks all the boxes: it features a hearty quinoa and chickpea base, fresh, crunchy bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers. This Fluffy and Savory Bone Broth Quinoa recipe serves as the perfect base for this salad and this Fresh Dairy-Free Pesto with Toasted Pine Nuts recipe deliciously brightens up the salad.
Quick Reminder for those who are following Gluten-Free Diets: While quinoa itself is completely gluten-free, always check the packaging for a "Certified Gluten-Free" label. Quinoa is sometimes processed or packaged in facilities that also handle wheat, which can lead to accidental cross-contamination. Make sure your pesto quinoa salad is delicious and safe!
Check out Shop My Kitchen Essentials for other great gluten-free cooking products and non-toxic kitchenware I use in my home.
If you love this Gluten-Free Quinoa Salad with Pesto recipe, check out our full collection of Dinner Recipes. Check out other great gluten-free, dairy free recipes to add to your family's meal rotation:
Flaky & Savory Chicken Pot Pie
Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below👇 and let me know how it turned out—I absolutely love hearing from you!
How to Make this Vibrant Rainbow Quinoa Salad with Pesto & Chickpeas
Step 1: Prep the Quinoa and Cool
Make the Fluffy and Savory Bone Broth Quinoa: Ensure your cooked quinoa is completely cooled.
Step 2: Toast the Pine Nuts
In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the pine nuts for 2–4 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly. I love using our 12-inch Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet to toast pine nuts-- it helps the pine nuts get evenly toasted.
Remove immediately from the pan to prevent burning. Toast extra if you are making this Fresh Dairy-Free Basil Pesto as it calls for toasted pine nuts as well (your kitchen will smell amazing!!)
toasting pine nuts in a pan on the stove Fresh Dairy-Free Basil Pesto
Step 3: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, rinsed and drained chickpeas, chopped cucumber, diced bell peppers, and grape tomatoes.
Cooked quinoa and chickpeas in a bowl on a table vegetables and quinoa on a table vegetables and quinoa in a bowl before being mixed vegetables and quinoa mixed together on a table
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Add the 4 tablespoons of homemade pesto and gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Fold in most of the toasted pine nuts. Top with fresh basil.
quinoa salad, pesto and pine nuts quinoa salad on a table
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Top the salad with the diced avocado, some slices of cucumber, and additional tomatoes right before serving.
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