Published on July 19, 2024 · Updated on October 24, 2026 by Sarah Troester
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This copycat Costco quinoa and celery salad tosses cooked quinoa with chickpeas, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kale, parsley and dried cranberries in a homemade apple cider vinaigrette, then tops it with slivered almonds or sunflower seeds. It takes about 30 minutes, serves 6, and makes an easy no-reheat lunch or meal prep.

Costco copycat quinoa and celery salad is the perfect lunch any time of year! Packed with fresh vegetables, plant powered protein, and an unbelievably delicious apple cider vinaigrette dressing to top. Skip the lines at Costco and make this copycat version at home instead!

Copycat Costco quinoa and celery salad in a large bowl topped with dried cranberries and slivered almonds

This quinoa and celery salad is practically my lunchtime anthem. It’s become my go-to for a quick, healthy lunch on-the-go. It was love at first bite, and frankly, I’ve eaten it more times than I can count!

I was determined to master a homemade version so I could enjoy it anytime I wanted, especially at home where I could add a protein boost with pan-seared salmon or chicken. This salad is perfect when you want a healthy salad that is filling enough to be a main dish.

Pan-seared salmon with dressing served on top of quinoa and celery salad

Let me tell you, this salad is a game-changer. It’s not only packed with nutrients but also bursting with flavors and textures that are just out of this world. Plus, it features an irresistible apple cider vinaigrette that’s incredibly easy to whip up. Shall we get started?

Mixed quinoa and celery salad with kale, chickpeas, celery and dried cranberries

why you will love this copycat Costco grain + Celery salad recipe

  • Bursting with Freshness: Each bite is a refreshing mix of crunch celery, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty red onions.
  • Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with protein from quinoa and chickpeas, healthy fats from sunflower seeds, and a plethora of vitamins from fresh vegetables.
  • Quick and Easy to Prepare: Minimal chopping and cooking means less time in the kitchen and more time to enjoy your day.
  • Versatile Add-Ons: Easily customizable with your favorite proteins like pan-seared salmon or grilled chicken for a more filling meal.
  • Delicious Homemade Vinaigrette: The apple cider vinaigrette is tangy, sweet, and so simple to make, adding a delightful punch of flavor.
Wooden spoon in a bowl of quinoa salad with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, celery and kale

ingredients

To make this easy Costco copycat salad recipe you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online!

Here’s what we are working with:

quinoa and celery salad
  • quinoa
  • chickpeas
  • celery
  • cherry tomatoes
  • cucumber
  • red onion
  • kale
  • fresh parsley
  • dried cranberries
  • slivered almonds or sunflower seeds
Quinoa and celery salad ingredients: kale, dried cranberries, almonds, quinoa, celery, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion, parsley and vinaigrette
apple cider vinaigrette
  • apple cider vinegar
  • dijon mustard
  • honey or maple syrup olive oil
  • salt and pepper
Apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard and honey in a glass measuring cup for the vinaigrette

how to make the best costco quinoa and celery salad recipe

You’ll find the exact amounts and printable steps in the recipe card below. Here’s what each step looks like, plus the little things that make it work.

1. Cook and cool the quinoa. Cook 1 cup of quinoa according to the package instructions, drain any excess water and let it cool completely. Chop the vegetables while it cools. Warm quinoa will wilt the kale and soften the celery.

Cooked quinoa cooling in a pot

2. Make the vinaigrette. Whisk the apple cider vinegar, Dijon, honey (or maple syrup), salt and pepper, then slowly whisk in the olive oil until it’s emulsified. A jar with a lid works great; just shake it.

Whisked apple cider vinaigrette in a glass measuring cup

3. Toss the salad. Combine the cooled quinoa, chickpeas, chopped vegetables, kale and parsley, pour the vinaigrette over and toss gently. Chop the kale finely so it mixes evenly into each bite.

Tossing quinoa, chickpeas, kale, celery and tomatoes with vinaigrette in a large bowl

4. Add the toppings last. Sprinkle the almonds (or sunflower seeds) and dried cranberries over the top just before serving, so they stay crunchy.

Quinoa and celery salad topped with dried cranberries and slivered almonds before serving

5. Serve. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, as a side dish or a light main course.

what’s in Costco’s quinoa and celery salad?

Costco sells it as the Kirkland Signature Grain & Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. According to its package label, it’s made with chickpeas, bulgur wheat and quinoa, plus celery, kale, red cabbage, carrots, red onion, dried cranberries and sliced almonds. The vinaigrette is canola oil, apple cider vinegar, apple juice concentrate, honey, maple syrup and Dijon mustard. Costco lists it at 180 calories per serving, and it contains wheat, soy and almonds.

how is this copycat different from Costco’s?

  • Quinoa only: no bulgur wheat, so the salad ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
  • Extra fresh veggies: cherry tomatoes, cucumber and fresh parsley join the celery, kale and red onion.
  • Optional add-in: I often add chopped red bell pepper for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Simple homemade vinaigrette: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon and honey or maple syrup.
  • Your choice of crunch: slivered almonds, or sunflower seeds to keep it nut-free.

how many calories are in quinoa and celery salad?

Based on the recipe card’s nutrition estimate, one 1-cup serving of this copycat has about 349 calories, with 10 g protein and 8 g fiber. Most of the calories come from the olive oil vinaigrette, quinoa, chickpeas and almonds. For a lighter bowl, use less dressing.

can I meal prep quinoa and celery salad?

YES! This costco quinoa celery salad makes one incredible no reheat meal prep! It’s easy and loaded with fresh and vibrant flavors. You will want to divide the salad ingredients into 4 meal prep containers. We highly recommend adding pan-seared salmon or grilled chicken to your meal prep for an extra punch of protein. Get ready for 3–4 days of delicious prepped lunches with this salad prep.

how long does quinoa and celery salad last?

Refrigerate the salad within 2 hours of making it, and keep it covered in the fridge for 3–4 days. For the crunchiest toppings, pack the almonds or sunflower seeds and cranberries separately and add them just before eating.

Meal prep container of quinoa and celery salad with flaked salmon

what to serve with quinoa and celery salad

Serve it as a side dish, or add pan-seared salmon or grilled chicken to make it a filling main dish. It pairs well with blackened salmon or seared ahi tuna.

We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as our family does. It’s definitely one of those recipes worth saving. There’s nothing better than having what looks and tastes like a gourmet meal on the table, but one that saves you time behind the scenes. 

Please leave us a star review and comment if you make this family loved recipe. 

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. I answer every single question as quickly as I can.

Happy cooking! And thanks for being part of our tribe, The Tasteful Tribe!

ENJOY!

quinoa and celery salad FAQs

Is this quinoa and celery salad gluten-free?

The ingredients in this copycat are naturally gluten-free. It uses quinoa only, with no bulgur wheat. Costco’s Grain & Celery Salad, on the other hand, lists bulgur wheat and soy sauce, so it contains wheat. If you need to avoid gluten, check the labels on your Dijon mustard and other packaged ingredients.

How much quinoa do I need?

You need 1 cup of uncooked quinoa. Cook it according to the package instructions, drain any extra water, and let it cool completely before mixing the salad.

Can I make it nut-free?

Yes. Use sunflower seeds instead of the slivered almonds.

Can I use raisins instead of cranberries?

Yes. Golden raisins work in place of the dried cranberries.

Can I add protein to it?

Yes. We love it with pan-seared salmon or grilled chicken, which makes it filling enough for a main dish.

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Costco copycat quinoa and celery salad with chickpeas, chopped kale, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and apple cider vinaigrette drizzle in a large bowl

The Best Quinoa and Celery Salad (Costco Copycat Recipe!)

  • DFDairy-Free
  • GFGluten-Free
  • VGVegetarian
5 from 11 votes
This quinoa and celery salad is the perfect lunch for a hot summer day! Packed with fresh vegetables, plant powered protein, and an unbelievably delicious apple cider vinaigrette dressing to top. Skip the lines at Costco and make this copycat version at home instead!
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

for the quinoa salad

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup kale, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup dried cranberries or golden raisins
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds or sunflower seeds
  • salt and pepper , to taste

for the apple cider vinaigrette

  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • Chop vegetables and cook quinoa according to package instructions. Once quinoa is cooked, drain any excess water and let it cool completely.
  • Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine the apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake until well combined. Gradually add the olive oil while whisking continuously (or shaking) until the dressing is emulsified. 
  • Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with chickpeas, chopped vegetables, kale, and parsley. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add toppings: Sprinkle the toasted almonds (or sunflower seeds) and dried cranberries over the top just before serving for added crunch and texture. 
  • Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature; it can be a great side dish or a light main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cupCalories: 349kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 51mgPotassium: 375mgFiber: 8gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 779IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 2mg

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to tag #thetastefultribe on instagram @thetastefultribe if you try this Costco copycat grain + celery salad recipe. We love seeing your version of the recipe! You can also post your pictures to our facebook page!