- Place quinoa, water and pinch of salt in a medium pot, bring to a boil, cover, simmer on low 12-15 minutes until all the water is gone. Uncover, fluff, cool slightly. Make the dressing, by mixing all in a bowl. Prep all the veggies. If sensitive to onions, dice, then soak in cold salted water while you chop the rest. Place the chickpeas, onions, cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, olives, dill and parsley to a large bowl. Add the quinoa and dressing and give a good toss. Taste, adjust salt and lemon to your liking.