Dinner

Costco Quinoa Salad Recipe (Easy Copycat!) Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

This easy Costco Quinoa Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Packed with protein-rich lentils, colorful vegetables, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, it’s a healthy, flavorful copycat recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

This close-up image shows a fresh grain salad with three main layers. The base layer is a mix of small, cooked grains in light beige and tan colors, with a slightly soft, grainy texture. Mixed throughout is a middle layer of bright red, chopped tomatoes that add fresh color and juiciness. The top layer includes chopped green herbs, finely cut and scattered over the salad, along with small bits of white cheese adding a creamy contrast. A silver serving spoon is scooping some of the salad, highlighting the mixed textures and colors against the background of a white bowl and a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 bag Success Boil-in-Bag Tri-Color Quinoa, or 1 heaping cup of cooked quinoa
1 cup dry lentils

6 oz crumbled feta cheese
4 mini cucumbers, chopped (about 2 cups)

10 oz grape tomatoes, quartered
1 red bell pepper, diced

0.5 oz chives, finely chopped
1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 lemons, juiced
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp honey

1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the lentils according to package directions, simmering gently for 15-20 minutes until tender but still firm. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
Step 2: Prepare the Success Boil-In-Bag Tri-Color Quinoa as directed on the package and set aside to cool.
Step 3: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and black pepper to taste to create the lemon vinaigrette.

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, quinoa, chopped cucumbers, quartered grape tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, chopped chives, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese.
Step 5: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Optional: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Step 7: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature and enjoy this colorful, nutritious dish!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts.
Swap feta for goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free option.

Use fresh herbs like mint or basil to vary the flavor.
Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus note.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. The lemon vinaigrette may slightly soften the vegetables over time, so it’s best enjoyed within a couple of days. Serve cold or at room temperature. Do not freeze.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a colorful grain salad on a white marbled texture. The salad has many layers mixed together, showing small round quinoa grains as the base, light green chopped cucumbers, bright red pieces of cherry tomatoes, and green bell peppers. Scattered fresh green herbs add a touch of texture and color, with tiny bits of white feta cheese mixed throughout. The salad looks fresh and moist with a light dressing coating all ingredients evenly. A halved lemon is blurred in the background near the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of dry lentils?

Yes, canned lentils can be used to save cooking time. Rinse and drain them well before adding to the salad. Since they are already cooked, add them in step 4 without further heating.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this quinoa salad is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. Just ensure your packaged quinoa and seasonings are labeled gluten-free if you have a severe allergy or sensitivity.