Costco quinoa salad recipe is one of those things I used to pick up “just once” and then kept coming back for. After trying it for the first time, my family and I polished off the entire container in a day. But with the nearest Costco nearly an hour away, grabbing it regularly didn’t make sense.
So I did what I always do when a store-bought favorite sticks: I recreated it at home my way. This copycat version has everything I loved about the original: fluffy quinoa, hearty lentils, crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. But it’s made without oil, fully plant-based, and even more flavorful thanks to a lemony dressing that lets the ingredients shine.
We now make it often for summer lunches, weekend meal prep, or whenever we want something light, filling, and nourishing. And the best part? You don’t need a Costco membership to enjoy it.
Table of Contents
Why Costco Quinoa Salad Is a Fan Favorite
The Secret Behind the Costco Quinoa Salad Craze
If you’ve ever tried the Costco quinoa salad recipe, you probably already know why people can’t get enough of it. It’s that rare kind of store-bought dish that actually tastes homemade fresh, wholesome, and packed with texture. Every bite is a perfect balance of nutty quinoa, crisp vegetables, and tangy lemon.
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Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe – The Best Healthy Copycat!
- Total Time: 30 Minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh, oil-free quinoa salad with lentils, vegetables, and lemon. Inspired by Costco, made healthier at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white quinoa
- ½ cup brown lentils cooked
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut into halves
- ½ English cucumber diced
- 1 cup baby kale roughly chopped
- ¼ cup parsley roughly chopped
- ½ lemon zested
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Quinoa: Prepare one cup of dried quinoa according to package instructions. Rinse quinoa, and place in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to a simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. Place in the refrigerator to cool before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Prepare Lentils: If your lentils are not already prepared, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Rinse the lentils, add to the water, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Drain and set aside.
- Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice the red bell pepper, roughly chop the baby kale, roughly chop the parsley, dice the cucumber, and cut the cherry tomatoes into halves.
- Put It All Together: Now that each component of the recipe is prepared, it’s time to fold it all together. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled and cooked quinoa, cooked and drained lentils, and the vegetables to a large bowl. Gently fold together.
- Make the Dressing: To the bowl, add the zest of half a lemon, and the juice of a whole lemon, about ¼ cup. Season with salt and pepper. Fold it all together, and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Making Copycat Quinoa Salad
- Use pre-cooked lentils to save time.
- Prep your quinoa in advance during your meal prep to have it ready to go to prepare this salad.
- Add your favorite fresh vegetables or lean protein to this salad.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Although, the flavors really meld together nicely when left in the refrigerator overnight. I recommend enjoying it within 1-2 days, but it will keep for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Equipment
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 138kcal
- Sugar: 2G
- Sodium: 156mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6G
- Protein: 7g
Shoppers love that this salad is both light and satisfying. You can find it in the refrigerated section, and it’s often the first thing to disappear at family gatherings or potlucks. Whether you follow a plant-based lifestyle or just want a healthy lunch option, this salad hits the mark.
What Makes the Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe So Good
It’s not just hype the Costco quinoa salad recipe is popular because it checks all the boxes. It’s naturally gluten-free, loaded with plant protein, and comes together with simple, clean ingredients. The salad is vibrant thanks to cherry tomatoes, red peppers, cucumbers, and kale, all tossed with tender lentils and fluffy quinoa. It’s finished with a citrusy dressing that’s light yet full of flavor.
Another reason people love this dish? It’s versatile. Serve it cold on a hot day, pair it with grilled veggies, or eat it straight from the bowl no heating required. For busy families or meal-prep lovers, it’s a win.
Homemade Version vs. Store-Bought
While the original Costco quinoa salad recipe is convenient, the homemade version gives you control. Want it oil-free? No problem. Need to skip a certain veggie or add extra lemon? You’ve got it. Plus, making it yourself cuts down on plastic packaging and can save money in the long run.
You might be surprised how easy it is to make your own copycat version and how much better it tastes fresh from your kitchen.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar Recipe as another fresh and tangy side option that pairs well with this salad.
Ingredients Breakdown – The Heart of the Costco Quinoa Salad
White Quinoa: The Nutrient-Packed Grain
The base of the Costco quinoa salad recipe is white quinoa a complete protein and naturally gluten-free grain that’s incredibly versatile. It’s light, fluffy, and slightly nutty, making it perfect for salads. While you can use red or tri-color quinoa, the classic Costco version keeps it simple with white quinoa.
Make sure to rinse your quinoa before cooking, even if the label says pre-rinsed. This step helps remove any bitterness from the natural coating, called saponin. Once cooked, let it cool completely before mixing it into the salad. Quinoa brings substance and nutrition, delivering fiber, protein, and essential minerals.
Brown Lentils: A Hearty Plant-Based Protein
Next up in the Costco quinoa salad recipe are brown lentils the kind that hold their shape well and offer a tender bite. Lentils are rich in protein, iron, and fiber, making them a fantastic meatless option for anyone following a plant-based or vegan diet.
To prepare them for this salad, simply simmer them until tender but not mushy. You want them to stay intact and mix smoothly with the quinoa and veggies. Green lentils also work well as a substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
Fresh Veggies That Bring the Crunch and Color
What really brings this salad to life is the rainbow of fresh vegetables. The original Costco quinoa salad recipe includes:
- Cherry tomatoes – Juicy, sweet, and full of flavor
- English cucumber – Crisp and mild with edible skin
- Red bell pepper – Adds crunch and a hint of sweetness
- Baby kale – Tender greens that are less bitter than mature kale
- Fresh parsley – A burst of color and freshness in every bite
These veggies make the salad bright and refreshing, and they all hold up well in the fridge, making this a perfect make-ahead recipe. If you want a twist, feel free to sub in arugula, spinach, or even shredded cabbage for extra crunch.
Discover great ideas like our Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe for more colorful, garden-fresh inspiration.
How to Make Copycat Costco Quinoa Salad at Home
Quick, Fresh, and Easy to Prep
This Costco quinoa salad recipe is super easy to recreate with a few simple steps. No need for long ingredient lists or fancy tools just whole foods, a pot, a bowl, and a fridge. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a bright, healthy salad ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Cooking the Quinoa
Start by rinsing 1 cup of white quinoa thoroughly. Place it in a medium pot with 2 cups of water. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the quinoa looks fluffy. Cool it completely in the fridge so it doesn’t turn mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cooking the Lentils
Rinse ½ cup of brown lentils and cook them in boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes. You want them soft, but still holding their shape. Drain any excess water and let them cool.
Step 3: Chop and Prep the Veggies
Dice half an English cucumber, one red bell pepper, and about a cup of cherry tomatoes. Then, roughly chop some baby kale and fresh parsley. These fresh veggies are what give this Costco quinoa salad recipe its colorful crunch.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Place the cooled quinoa and lentils in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped vegetables and gently fold everything together.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Pineapple Cucumber Salad for another refreshing, make-ahead favorite.
The Dressing – No Oil, Just Zest
A Fresh Take on the Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe Dressing
One of the biggest improvements you can make to the Costco quinoa salad recipe at home is ditching the oil-heavy dressing. While the original includes olive oil, we go for something lighter and brighter.
This version skips the oil entirely and leans on lemon juice and zest to bring natural flavor and acidity. The result? A zippy finish that doesn’t weigh you down.
Why No-Oil Dressing Works Perfectly
In most grain-based salads, the dressing plays a supporting role. In this Costco quinoa salad recipe, the lemon juice allows every other ingredient like the sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and nutty quinoa to shine through.
Oil can sometimes mute those natural flavors. By using a no-oil lemon vinaigrette, the texture stays crisp, and the salad feels lighter. Plus, it makes the recipe more heart-healthy and completely plant-based.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact
For this clean, flavor-forward dressing, you only need:
- Juice of one fresh lemon (about ¼ cup)
- Zest from half a lemon
- A pinch of sea salt
- Cracked black pepper to taste
That’s it. Shake it or whisk it, then drizzle it over the salad bowl just before serving.
Discover more oil-free flavor ideas in our Lemon Pepper Sauce Recipe it’s great on veggies, tofu, or grain bowls.
Add-ons to Customize Your Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe
Want to build on the flavor? Try these mix-ins:
- A splash of red wine vinegar
- Minced garlic or shallots
- A spoonful of Dijon mustard for depth
- Fresh chopped mint or basil for summer flair
You can even double the lemon juice for extra brightness without overpowering the base.
In this Costco quinoa salad recipe, simplicity is key. The dressing enhances everything without dominating it and your body will thank you for keeping it clean.
Variations & Substitutions You’ll Love
Customize the Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe
The best thing about making the Costco quinoa salad recipe at home? You can mix it up based on your mood, what’s in season, or what’s in your fridge.
Here are simple ways to switch it up:
- Add chickpeas or black beans for more plant protein
- Swap baby kale for spinach or arugula
- Try red wine vinegar if you’re out of lemons
- Toss in toasted seeds for a crunchy finish
- Sprinkle in vegan feta or a pinch of chili flakes for flavor
Missing something? No problem. Use parsley or cilantro, or even mix in cooked brown rice to boost fiber.
No matter how you tweak it, this Costco quinoa salad recipe stays refreshing, healthy, and easy.
Looking for something rich to pair with it? Don’t miss our Almond Pesto Recipe it adds bold flavor to any bowl.
Nutritional Benefits of This Quinoa Salad
What Makes the Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe So Nutritious
The Costco quinoa salad recipe isn’t just popular because it tastes great it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Made with whole, plant-based ingredients, it offers fiber, protein, and essential nutrients in every bite.
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it provides all nine essential amino acids your body needs. Combined with lentils, this salad packs in even more plant protein, making it ideal for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone wanting to cut back on meat.
With fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and kale, it’s also loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and minerals like iron and potassium.
Is It Good for Weight Loss?
Absolutely. One serving of this homemade Costco quinoa salad recipe contains roughly 130–140 calories, making it light enough for a snack, but filling enough for a meal. Thanks to the fiber from quinoa, kale, and lentils, it helps you stay full longer key for managing cravings.
And because this version skips the oil, it’s even lower in fat and calories than the original store-bought version.
Why It Fits Into Almost Any Diet
Whether you’re eating gluten-free, vegan, or whole-food plant-based, this salad works. It’s free of refined ingredients, easy to digest, and naturally low in sodium.
For another light and refreshing dish, check out our Beaten Yogurt Recipe perfect as a snack or side.
Meal Ideas – How to Serve Costco Quinoa Salad
The best thing about the Costco quinoa salad recipe is how versatile it is. It’s light enough for a side dish but hearty enough to become the main event. Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week or hosting a backyard cookout, it fits right in.
Simple Serving Ideas
- As a side – Pair it with veggie burgers, grilled tofu, or falafel.
- As a bowl base – Add avocado, hummus, or roasted chickpeas for a full meal.
- As lunch – Pack it cold for work, picnics, or school it travels well and tastes even better the next day.
Looking for a salad combo? This Costco quinoa salad recipe goes great with our Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad for a refreshing summer spread.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just keeping meals simple, this salad checks every box: light, filling, and full of real flavor.
Storage, Shelf Life & Make-Ahead Tips
The Costco quinoa salad recipe is ideal for prepping ahead. In fact, it gets even better the next day as the flavors come together and deepen.
How to Store It Best
To keep it fresh, scoop the salad into a sealed container and place it in the fridge. It’s at its best within 2 days, though it can stay good for up to 4 days if kept cool and airtight.
Before serving leftovers, give everything a quick stir to bring the dressing and ingredients back together.
Avoid putting the full salad in the freezer veggies like cucumber and tomato lose their texture. If you’d like to freeze parts, you can store the cooked quinoa and lentils on their own and add the fresh veggies later.
Make It Ahead Without Losing Freshness
For meal prep, you can store the dressing separately and mix it in right before eating. This keeps the veggies crisp and the taste vibrant.
Don’t miss our No-Bake Protein Cookies they pair perfectly with this salad for a clean and energizing lunch combo.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe
You’ve got the ingredients, the steps, and the dressing but here are some expert tips to make your Costco quinoa salad recipe taste even better every time.
Don’t Skip the Cooling Step
Always chill the quinoa and lentils before mixing in the vegetables. If they’re warm, they’ll wilt the greens and soften the veggies too much. For best results, prep the grains ahead and refrigerate until completely cool.
Use Sharp Knives for Clean Cuts
Uniform, bite-sized pieces make a big difference in both texture and presentation. A clean dice on the cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes helps everything blend beautifully.
Fresh Lemon = Fresh Flavor
Use real lemon juice and zest avoid bottled juice, which lacks brightness. This keeps your dressing light and tangy.
Meal Prep Tip
Make a double batch of quinoa and lentils to use throughout the week in other dishes. You can even try our Tuna Noodle Casserole for a cozy meal after a few days of fresh salads.
With just a little extra care, this Costco quinoa salad recipe becomes a staple you’ll look forward to eating again and again.
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FAQs About the Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe
1. What to add to Costco quinoa salad?
You can customize the Costco quinoa salad recipe with a variety of healthy mix-ins. Great additions include chickpeas, black beans, diced avocado, toasted sunflower seeds, or vegan feta. For more flavor, try fresh herbs like cilantro or mint, or add a splash of red wine vinegar to the lemon-based dressing.
2. Is the quinoa salad from Costco healthy?
Yes, the original Costco quinoa salad is generally considered healthy. It’s high in plant-based protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables. However, the store-bought version contains oil, which adds extra fat and calories. This homemade Costco quinoa salad recipe skips the oil and keeps it lighter making it an even better option for clean eating.
3. What is a good dressing for a quinoa salad?
A light lemon vinaigrette works perfectly with quinoa salads. In this Costco quinoa salad recipe, we use fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper for a bright, clean flavor. You can also add Dijon mustard or red wine vinegar for extra tang.
4. Is quinoa salad healthy to lose weight?
Absolutely. Quinoa is a high-fiber, high-protein grain that helps you feel full longer. When paired with lentils and vegetables, as in the Costco quinoa salad recipe, it becomes a low-calorie, nutrient-dense meal that’s great for weight management especially when made without oil.