Ground Beef and Quinoa Salad

Name: Ground Beef and Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups water; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 small red onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Juice of 1 lime; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love whipping up this Ground Beef and Quinoa Salad for a quick and nutritious meal. It's packed with flavor, featuring savory ground beef, protein-rich quinoa, and fresh veggies. Each bite is a delightful experience that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and comes together in just 30 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights. With a few simple steps and the right balance of spices, this dish becomes a staple in my kitchen.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-30T22:18:27.881Z

Making this Ground Beef and Quinoa Salad has been a rewarding adventure in my cooking journey. I remember the first time I tried combining these ingredients and being pleasantly surprised by the bold flavors that emerged. The key was to perfectly season the ground beef while allowing the quinoa to cook just right so that it fluffed up beautifully.

As I've refined my technique over time, I’ve found that adding fresh herbs like cilantro and a squeeze of lime really elevates the dish. It not only enhances the flavors but also adds a refreshing twist that keeps this recipe exciting week after week.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and filling for a satisfying meal
Nutrient-dense with a balance of protein and fiber
Flexible recipe that can be customized with your favorite veggies

The Role of Quinoa

Quinoa is a vital ingredient in this salad not only for its nutritional profile but also for its unique texture. When cooked correctly, quinoa should be fluffy with a slight bite, which makes it a perfect base for this hearty dish. Rinsing the quinoa before cooking is crucial to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste if not washed away. I like to let it sit for a minute in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water for the best results.

In this recipe, quinoa also acts as a vehicle for absorbing the flavors of the dressing and the seasoned ground beef. Its nutty flavor complements the vegetables beautifully, creating a balanced harmonization of tastes. You can swap in other grains like farro or bulgur if gluten is not a concern, but be mindful that they have different cooking times and flavor profiles.

Enhancing the Beef

Browning the ground beef correctly is key to achieving depth of flavor in this salad. Start by ensuring your skillet is preheated before adding the olive oil; the meat should sizzle upon contact with the pan. This not only helps in developing a beautiful color but also lock in moisture. Be sure to break the meat into smaller pieces while cooking for even browning - it should resemble small, crispy bits instead of clumps.

If you're looking for a leaner option or have dietary restrictions, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Just keep in mind that these meats may need additional seasoning to maintain the robust flavor profile achieved with beef. Add a tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra umami if using a milder meat.

Ingredients

For the Salad

1 pound ground beef
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

For the Dressing

Juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and crumbled, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, beef, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Toss gently to combine.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Serve

Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For additional flavor, try adding feta cheese or avocado as toppings. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Ground Beef and Quinoa Salad stands out as a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare the quinoa and the dressing in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. This not only saves time on busy nights but also allows the flavors of the dressing to meld beautifully overnight. When ready to serve, simply combine everything without compromising freshness.

If you want to prep the salad itself, consider keeping the diced vegetables separate until just before serving to maintain their crispness. When stored properly in airtight containers, the components will stay fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize this salad by changing up the vegetables according to what’s in season or what you have on hand. Roasted corn, black beans, or even diced avocados are great additions that will enhance the flavor while contributing additional nutrition. Each ingredient can introduce new textures and tastes that elevate the overall experience.

For a kick, try adding jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing. If you prefer a different flavor profile, swapping lime juice for lemon or apple cider vinegar can also bring a refreshing twist. Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs too—dill or parsley can provide an aromatic touch that complements the existing flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the dressing before serving for the best flavor.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to customize this salad with any vegetables you like, such as spinach, carrots, or corn.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.