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

Published on July 19, 2024 by Sarah Troester
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Costco copycat 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!

This quinoa and celery salad is practically my summer 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!

With summer here, 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.

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?

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

  • Bursting with Freshness: Each bite is a refreshing mix of crunch celery, vibrant bell peppers, 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 a cooking means less time in the kitchen and more time to enjoy your summer.
  • 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.

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
apple cider vinaigrette
  • apple cider vinegar
  • dijon mustard
  • honey or maple syrup olive oil
  • salt and pepper

how to make the best costco quinoa and celery salad recipe

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!

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 one delicious week of prepped lunches with this salad prep.

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 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!

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

  • DFDairy-Free
  • GFGluten-Free
  • LCLow Carb
  • PPaleo
  • SFSugar Free
  • VGVegetarian
5 from 8 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!

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to #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!