30 Quinoa Salad Recipes You’ll Regret Not Trying
Quinoa – a tiny, bead-shaped seed – has swelled beyond health food stores and into mainstream diet plans for so many reasons! To me, quinoa is not just another health fad; it’s a staple, an irreplaceable grain that has revolutionized my salad game. I have found 30 mouthwatering quinoa salad recipes to share with you today that you have to give a try this summer!
Quinoa is Really Health in Every Bite
Before we rave about its versatility, it’s worth noting that the health benefits of quinoa are ridiculously impressive. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and loaded with protein. It’s kind of similar to rice in taste but has a unique texture that I love.
It’s rare that a plant source provides all nine essential amino acids that our bodies can’t produce on their own, but quinoa does! Most plants are considered incomplete proteins and need to be paired with another type of plant (like beans paired with corn for instance) to get you that full amino acid profile that is considered a complete protein.
But quinoa doesn’t need to be paired with anything to be a complete protein… that’s pretty cool.
For those of us monitoring our dietary intake, quinoa’s high fiber content promotes digestive health while its inclusion of zinc and folate contributes to a strong immune system and overall vitality. And don’t forget it contains antioxidants – those cellular defenders that combat the stresses of daily life.
Quinoa is Speedy, Savory, and Sweet – A Triple Threat
In today’s whirlwind of life, who doesn’t prize convenience? That’s why everyone eats so much junk. But fortunately, quinoa only takes about 10 minutes to cook, which is splendid news for those who can’t bear the slow simmer of brown rice or the endless hours of soaking beans. It’s fast food in the most respectable sense of the term.
And here’s a little secret – quinoa isn’t picky about the temperature at which it’s served. It pairs perfectly with a cold quinoa salad or hot roasted veggies. Quinoa really goes great with anything. It pairs as delightfully with cucumber and feta as it does with apples and cinnamon.
This adaptability makes it a reliable protein and fiber source to include in both savory and sweet dishes. Whether you’re craving a refreshing salad on a sweltering day or a comforting spoonful on a chilly evening, quinoa has got your back.
Why Quinoa Salad Recipes Are Awesome
Why toss quinoa into your salad bowl? Because it transforms the mundane to the extraordinary.
Long gone are the days of limp lettuce and dreary tomatoes being what you think of when you envision salad. Quinoa contributes a satisfying bite to your greens, elevating them from side dish to main course with its nutty presence. It’s a robust base that supports literally any ingredient, I haven’t found something that doesn’t go with quinoa yet!
Take your favorite roasted vegetables – bell peppers, zucchini, perhaps a smattering of chickpeas – toss them with quinoa and a dash of olive oil, and you’ve got a hearty meal. The same base made sweet with berries and a drizzle of honey lends itself to an unexpectedly indulgent yet guilt-free dessert.
These recipes work great as a main course or side dish on a hot summer’s day. Serve them at your next bbq and surprise everyone with a new tasty and hearty salad recipe.
So try out these 30 tasty quinoa salad recipes and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
RELATED: Quinoa and Salmon or Quinoa and Shrimp Recipes
1. Quinoa Black Bean Avocado Salad
This protein-packed Quinoa Black Bean Avocado Salad is an incredible dish for lunch or dinner. Its light and refreshing ingredients will keep you feeling satisfied. Just 8 ingredients and about 15 minutes are all that stand in the way between you and this scrumptious quinoa salad with avocado.
2. QUINOA ARUGULA SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE
Fresh, packed with flavor and textures, this quinoa arugula salad is absolutely delicious. Tossed in a quick and easy homemade lemon Dijon vinaigrette, this nutritious salad is a must-try!
3. GREEN GODDESS CHOPPED SALAD
Green Goddess Chopped Salad is brimming with freshness and bright, herby flavors. This is a hearty salad that stays crunchy and flavorful for several days in the fridge.
4. Quinoa Tabbouleh
Quinoa tabbouleh is a gluten free side dish that is packed with flavor! Quinoa is an excellent substitute for anyone who is sensitive to gluten or wheat. Tabbouleh is a really delicious flavor and becomes a meal or more satisfying side when you toss quinoa in there.
5. Light and Lemony Quinoa Salad
This Light and Lemony Quinoa Salad is the easiest thing ever. Such a healthy mix of greens, tomato, onion, herb, and protein-rich quinoa in a simple vinaigrette. So delicious with so little effort.
6. QUINOA ARUGULA SALAD
This quinoa arugula salad recipe is a delicious mix of peppery leaves, sweet pomegranate and a honey garlic dressing. Super simple to make, it’s a light and fresh side salad perfect for summer picnics, with BBQ food or to take to a potluck!
7. Quinoa and Kale
Warm kale salad featuring fluffy quinoa seasoned with zesty Creole spices. This warm salad switches up the typical cold salad you think of and is really good.
8. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is the light and tasty side dish you need this summer. A simple mix of quinoa, a few veggies, some Mediterranean staples, and a zesty lemon dressing is all it takes.
9. Fall Quinoa Salad
This healthy Fall Quinoa Salad has the best autumn flavors. With garlic-roasted butternut squash, feta cheese, and caramelized onions, it’s a colorful and delicious fall treat! I prefer this salad hot, but it’s pretty good cold too. I like cold cooked onions, how about you?
10. Best Quinoa Arugula Salad with Feta and Toasted Almonds
With simple ingredients and loads of flavor, this quinoa arugula salad is the perfect dish for a healthy meal. This salad is delicious and nutritious with fresh veggies, protein-packed quinoa, and a tangy red wine vinaigrette.
11. BUTTERNUT SQUASH QUINOA BOWL
Perfect for late summer or fall, this butternut squash quinoa bowl is so cozy, colorful and brimming with tasty veggies! Easy to make with affordable ingredients, it’s a delicious vegan and gluten free lunch idea that’s full of goodness. Can be served cold OR hot.
12. Herbed Quinoa Salad
Loaded with fresh parsley, mint, and lemon, delicious Herbed Quinoa Salad is inspired by the fresh flavors of Middle Eastern Tabbouleh. But in place of bulgur wheat it features naturally gluten-free quinoa. It’s easy to make with only 7 ingredients in 30 minutes.
13. Quinoa and Chickpea Salad
There’s a lot to love about this healthy vegan Quinoa and Chickpea Salad. It’s easy to make and incredibly versatile, and you can add any of your favorite vegetables or herbs to the mix.
14. Easy Vegan Southwest Quinoa Bowl with Kale and Beans
If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy quinoa, look no further than this Southwest quinoa bowl with kale made with healthy ingredients! Filled with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado, this salad is packed with southwest flavors and protein.
15. Vegan Rainbow Quinoa Salad
It’s easy to turn grains and vegetables into a flavorful dish when you make Rainbow Quinoa Salad. This versatile lettuce-free salad goes with just about everything. And it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
16. Southwest Quinoa Salad
This flavorful Southwest Quinoa Salad is easy to make with ingredients you probably already have! It’s vegan, gluten-free, super tasty and will be perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics and makes a great plant-based meal or side dish.
17. EASY EDAMAME QUINOA SALAD WITH SESAME GINGER DRESSING
This edamame quinoa salad with sesame ginger dressing is flavorful, healthy and so easy to make. I often eat a big bowl of this for lunch or dinner. It’s hearty enough to keep you full!
18. Simple Ancient Grains Salad with Tahini Dressing
This Ancient Grains Salad is a healthy side dish or a light meal that is brimming with fiber, plant based protein, vitamins, and minerals! It features juicy cherry tomatoes, salty kalamata olives, and a tangy tahini dressing that’s to die for!
19. Easy Quinoa Salad (Costco Copycat!)
When you want a healthy salad that is filling enough to be a main dish, then you need this Copycat Costco Quinoa Salad recipe. Cooked quinoa is combined with chopped veggies and a delicious lemon dressing. Skip the store-bought version and make it at home instead!
20. Jennifer Aniston Salad
Get ready for this show stopping, perfect meal prep lunch, Jennifer Aniston Salad. Made famous by Jennifer Aniston herself, learn how to make this tasty copycat salad made with Garbanzo Beans (chickpeas), Cucumber, Red Onion, Pistachios, and Feta Cheese.
21. POWER VEGETARIAN COBB SALAD
Vegetarian Cobb Salad with Quinoa and Power Greens is one of our favorite quinoa power bowls! Inspiration from a classic cobb salad but amped up with herby quinoa and a delicious roasted garlic vinaigrette. I love this for meal prep; store all the ingredients separately and cut the avocado right before serving.
Wrapping Up Cold Vegan Quinoa Salad Recipes
I hope you loved this collection of some of my favorite quinoa salad recipes. They can all be served cold (but a few a good hot as well). They are also all vegan dishes and great to have a a meal or side dish at your summer barbeque.
