Quinoa Salad Recipe – Indian-Spiced with Lime & Pumpkin Seeds

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Quinoa Salad Recipe – Indian-Spiced with Lime & Pumpkin Seeds

Introduction

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this vibrant and flavorful quinoa salad with you. It’s become a real staple in my kitchen – quick to whip up, incredibly healthy, and bursting with fresh Indian-inspired flavors. I first made this when I was looking for a light yet satisfying lunch, and it’s been a go-to ever since. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a potluck, or even a picnic. Trust me, this isn’t your average salad!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This quinoa salad is a winner for so many reasons. It’s packed with protein and fiber from the quinoa, loaded with vitamins from the colorful veggies, and the Indian spices give it a unique and delicious twist. Plus, it’s super easy to customize to your liking. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that you can feel good about eating.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing quinoa salad:

• ½ cup Quinoa
• 1 teaspoon Oil (I prefer olive or avocado oil)
• 1 cup Water
• 1 teaspoon Lime Juice
• ½ teaspoon Salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ cup Green Onions, chopped
• ¼ cup Tomatoes, chopped
• ¼ cup Cucumber, chopped
• ¼ cup Yellow Bell Peppers, chopped
• ¼ cup Red Bell Peppers, chopped
• To taste Green Chili, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference!)
• A few sprigs Cilantro, chopped
• A few Mint Leaves, chopped
• ½ teaspoon Lime Juice
• ¼ teaspoon Roasted Cumin Powder
• To taste Salt
• A dash Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 to 2 Tablespoons Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients and how to get the most out of them:

Quinoa: Types & Nutritional Benefits
There are a few different types of quinoa – white, red, and black. I usually use white quinoa for this salad because it has a milder flavor, but feel free to experiment! Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s also a great source of fiber, iron, and magnesium. (About 185g cooked quinoa provides around 8g of protein!)

Roasted Cumin Powder: Regional Variations & Flavor Profile
Good quality roasted cumin powder is essential for that authentic Indian flavor. You can find it pre-made, or easily roast cumin seeds yourself for an even fresher taste. Different regions in India have slightly different cumin blends, so feel free to experiment with adding a pinch of coriander powder too.

Pumpkin Seeds: Health Benefits & Toasting Tips
Pumpkin seeds (or pepitas) add a lovely crunch and are packed with nutrients like magnesium and zinc. Toasting them lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes really brings out their flavor. Keep a close eye on them, as they burn easily!

Lime Juice: Fresh vs. Bottled – Which to Use?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is always best! It has a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled. But if you’re in a pinch, bottled lime juice will work.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Choosing the Right Quality
A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely richness to the salad. Look for one that’s cold-pressed and has a fruity aroma.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. This helps remove any bitterness.
2. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed quinoa and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells slightly nutty.
3. Pour in the water, 1 teaspoon of lime juice, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
4. Remove the cooked quinoa from the heat and fluff it with a fork. Let it cool completely – this is important! Warm quinoa will wilt the veggies.
5. While the quinoa is cooling, chop your green onions, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and green chili. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of green chili to your spice level.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped vegetables, chopped cilantro and mint, the remaining ½ teaspoon of lime juice, roasted cumin powder, salt, a dash of olive oil, and pumpkin seeds. Mix everything well.
7. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra lime juice or salt can really brighten up the flavors.
8. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad even more delicious.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip toasting the quinoa! It adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• Make sure the quinoa is completely cool before adding the vegetables.
• Feel free to add other veggies you love – carrots, corn, or even some chopped mango would be delicious.

Variations

• Vegan Quinoa Salad: This recipe is already vegan! Just double-check your cumin powder doesn’t contain any hidden animal products.
• Gluten-Free Adaptations: This salad is naturally gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustments: If you like things spicy, add more green chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the green chili altogether.
• Festival Adaptations (e.g., Navratri-friendly): During Navratri, you can skip the onion and garlic to make it fully vrat-compliant.

Serving Suggestions

This quinoa salad is fantastic on its own for a light lunch or dinner. It also makes a great side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or paneer. I love serving it with a dollop of plain yogurt for extra creaminess.

Storage Instructions

You can store leftover quinoa salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better over time! However, the vegetables may soften slightly.

FAQs

Is quinoa a complete protein?
Yes! Quinoa is one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Can I make this salad ahead of time? How long will it keep?
Absolutely! You can make this salad a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.

What can I substitute for pumpkin seeds?
If you don’t have pumpkin seeds, you can use sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

How can I adjust the spice level of this salad?
Adjust the amount of green chili to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Is this salad suitable for weight loss?
Yes! Quinoa is a healthy and filling grain, and this salad is packed with nutrients and fiber. It’s a great option for those watching their weight.

Can I use other types of bell peppers?
Definitely! Feel free to use any color of bell pepper you like. Orange or purple bell peppers would also be delicious.