Enjoy this round-up of my favorite Quinoa Salad Recipes. These delicious salads are loaded with fresh, nutritious ingredients that look as good as they taste!
If you visit my blog often, then you already know my love for quinoa salads! About once a week (or more) I’ll whip up a salad with this awesome pseudo-grain because it’s versatile, filling, and loaded with nutrients.
Quinoa also pairs really well with lots of different ingredients, like fresh fruits and veggies, protein, and herbs. I mean, the sky’s the limit when we’re talking about quinoa salads! That’s why they’re my favorite salad and side dish – I can make quinoa salad a thousand different ways and never get bored!
So, I’ve gathered some of my most popular quinoa salad recipes from the blog to share with you today. I hope this Quinoa Salad Recipe Roundup will inspire you to get creative in your kitchen using quinoa as the main ingredient.
To get started with these quinoa salad recipes, first you’ll need the perfect base. So, be sure to check out my tutorial on How to Make Fluffy Quinoa. I share my tried and true method as well as expert tips to help you get perfectly cooked quinoa every time.
Olivia’s Recipe Tips
- Remember to rinse your quinoa before cooking it. Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that protects it from pests but has a bitter taste.
- It’s important to use the right ratio of liquid to quinoa for the best texture. I use 1 cup of dry quinoa to 1 ¾ cups of water or broth.
- For even more flavor, I like to cook the quinoa in broth. You can also toss in a couple of garlic cloves, salt, black pepper and olive oil and remove them once the quinoa is done.
- Meal prepping quinoa salad? Wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to enjoy! This will keep the salad ingredients fresh and crisp for longer.
- You can also save time by making the quinoa and dressing ahead of time. Then, toss in the fresh ingredients when you’re ready to assemble.
- Quinoa is great the next day. Just store it in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even though it’s classified as a whole grain, quinoa is actually a seed indigenous to South America. It has a mild nutty flavor that pairs well with just about any dressing and other salad ingredients you want to toss in.
There are so many reasons to love this healthy superfood. Quinoa is considered a complete protein because it provides all 9 essential amino acids. It’s also gluten-free and a great source of fiber , vitamins and essential nutrients like magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, good carbohydrates and zinc. You can read more about the health benefits of quinoa here.
All the recipes I included in this roundup are super versatile, so you can switch them up depending on your family’s preferences. Use seasonal veggies, double the recipe, or add your favorite protein – I encourage you to make these recipes your own!
quinoa salad
This gluten-free quinoa salad recipe is loaded with beans, veggies, and protein. The homemade dressing only gets better with time, so it’s perfect for meal prep!
mango quinoa salad
Colorful, and versatile, this mango quinoa salad is a must for summer entertaining. The dressing is made with lemon or lime juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, black pepper and kosher salt. So fresh and yummy.
quinoa salad with roasted asparagus
The fresh red bell peppers, red onions, roasted asparagus, and nutty quinoa complement each other so beautifully in this simple and flavorful salad.
greek quinoa salad
This veggie-packed quinoa salad recipe is all about the tang thanks to the feta cheese and homemade vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice (or vinegar). Garnish with parsley, fresh cilantro or chopped basil, and it’ll definitely be a hit at your next big barbecue!
Mediterranean quinoa salad
Enjoy this delicious Mediterranean-inspired salad in just 15 minutes. It’s healthy, filling, and pairs especially well with fresh salmon. I love storing it in mason jar and bringing it to picnics or potluck parties.
kalamata collard quinoa salad
Packed with healthy greens, mushroom, red pepper flakes and kalamata olives, this warm quinoa salad is not only delicious, it’s also full of nutrients! So, of course, it’s one of my favorite recipes to meal prep!
roasted brussels sprouts quinoa Bowl
This incredible salad features balsamic-roasted brussels sprouts, warm quinoa, and pomegranate seeds. It’s so easy to make and bursting with flavor!
quinoa Cabbage Bowl
This quinoa salad recipe is colorful, crunchy, and so easy to make! Not to mention it’s healthy and absolutely perfect for summer dining!
warm collard quinoa
Sauteed collard greens and cherry tomatoes add so much flavor and nutrients to this warm quinoa salad. Pair it with a protein, or enjoy it as a vegan meal!
shrimp quinoa bowl
Packed with protein and colorful vegetables, this quinoa bowl is especially perfect for summer! Try it with grilled shrimp or veggies from your garden!
chicken quinoa salad
Tender chicken and velvety black beans add a boost of protein to this veggie-packed quinoa salad recipe. Top it with a homemade lemony dressing for even more flavor!
spring quinoa Bowl
Enjoy seasonal asparagus, peas, and cucumbers in this Spring-inspired quinoa salad. Tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, the flavors and textures are so irresistible!
warm quinoa brussels sprouts
This is undoubtedly the coziest quinoa salad you’ll ever make! It features sauteed Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans for crunch.
carrot quinoa salad
Sweet shredded carrots and bell peppers complement the quinoa so well in this salad recipe. It’s also gluten-free, vegan, and packed with nutrients!
cranberry apple quinoa
Loaded with protein from chickpeas and quinoa, this recipe is a complete vegetarian meal with so many delicious textures and flavors.
How to Make Quinoa
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Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 3/4 cups water or broth
- 2 garlic cloves whole and peeled
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Finely mince a clove of garlic.
- Place in a salad dressing jar with the whole grain dijon mustard.
- Pour the lemon juice into the mixture with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Whisk to combine all the ingredients.
- Slowly pour extra-virgin olive oil, whisking as you go to mix.
- Taste to check the seasoning and it is done.
- Enjoy it on your favorite salad!
Tips
- Always rinse the quinoa beforehand, as some quinoa can be bitter.
- For more flavorful quinoa, cook it in broth.
- Allow the quinoa to rest as it helps with making the quinoa fluffy.
- To store: Store cooked quinoa in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- To reheat: You can reheat quinoa in the microwave with a splash of water if needed.
- To freeze: Frozen cooked quinoa will last for up to 6 months in the freezer in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
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Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
What a gorgeous round-up, Olivia! I absolutely adore quinoa salad and now I’ve got so much inspiration to choose from now!
eat good 4 life says
What a great post of quinoa salads. I could eat all of them. Gluten-free too. So refreshing for the summer!