Quinoa Salad with Edamame & Peas
A bright, protein-packed quinoa salad bursting with sweet green peas, tender edamame, and fresh herbs. Tossed in a zesty lemon dressing, this light yet satisfying salad comes together in 25 minutes and works beautifully as a standalone lunch or a vibrant side dish.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~15 min
Cook the quinoa.
1.Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh colander.2.Combine quinoa with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.3.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed (12-15 min).4.Remove from heat, let stand covered 5 min, then fluff with a fork and cool.TIPRinsing quinoa removes saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy. - boil · ~3 min
Blanch the edamame and peas.
1.Bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil.2.Add 1 cup shelled edamame and ½ cup green peas.3.Cook until bright green and tender (2-3 min).4.Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. - prep · ~5 min
Dice the fresh vegetables.
Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into small, even cubes. Chop the fresh parsley and mint.
- mix · ~1 min
Whisk the lemon dressing.
1.In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice.2.Add the minced garlic clove and a pinch of black pepper.3.Whisk until emulsified and well combined. - assemble · ~2 min
Toss the salad.
1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, blanched edamame, peas, diced cucumber, and bell pepper.2.Pour the lemon dressing over the top.3.Add the chopped parsley and mint.4.Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. - rest · ~15 min
Chill before serving.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
TIPThis salad tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinsing quinoa thoroughly removes bitter saponin, so don't skip this step even if the package says pre-rinsed.
- 2Blanch edamame and peas just until bright green, then shock in cold water to preserve their color and snap.
- 3Let the quinoa cool completely before tossing with the vegetables and dressing to avoid a mushy salad.
- 4Make the lemon dressing up to 2 days ahead; store in the fridge and shake well before using.
- 5For the best texture, dice cucumber and bell pepper into uniform ½-inch pieces so each forkful is balanced.
- 6Chill the finished salad for at least 15 minutes (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas or cubed grilled chicken breast to boost the protein content further, making it a heartier main dish for active lifestyles.
low oilLow-oil
Replace the olive oil in the dressing with an equal amount of aquafaba or extra lemon juice for a oil-free version that cuts calories while keeping the salad moist and tangy.
veganVegan
This salad is already vegan; simply verify that your quinoa is grown without cross-contamination if strict, and serve as is for a plant-based powerhouse meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Complete Plant Protein
Quinoa provides all nine essential amino acids, while edamame adds additional lysine, making this salad an excellent source of high-quality plant protein.
Rich in Fiber
With quinoa, edamame, peas, cucumber, and bell pepper, this salad delivers soluble and insoluble fiber that supports healthy digestion and satiety.
Packed with Micronutrients
Red bell pepper provides vitamin C, mint and parsley contribute antioxidants, and edamame offers iron and calcium for overall wellness.
Low in Saturated Fat
This dish uses only a small amount of olive oil and contains no added saturated fats, aligning with heart-healthy eating patterns.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, add frozen edamame directly to the boiling water; just extend the blanching time by 1 minute, then drain and rinse as directed.







