15 Best Quinoa Salads to Try

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

A refreshing and vibrant salad that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with wholesome quinoa for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then add it to a pot with water and bring to a boil.
2. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is cooked.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss to combine and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

This protein-packed salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook the quinoa in water as per package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the quinoa, black beans, bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Asian-Inspired Quinoa Salad

A delicious fusion of quinoa with Asian flavors for a zesty and refreshing dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup edamame, shelled
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Cook the quinoa in water and allow it to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, edamame, carrot, and green onions.
3. In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and ginger.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad

A perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Prepare the quinoa according to package instructions and cool.
2. In a salad bowl, combine quinoa, apple, walnuts, cranberries, and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Mexican Quinoa Salad

Bring some fiesta to your table with this vibrant and flavorful Mexican quinoa salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook the quinoa in water and let it cool completely.
2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
3. In another bowl, mix lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. Serve with tortilla chips if desired.

Quinoa Caprese Salad

A healthy twist on the classic caprese, this quinoa salad is both refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook the quinoa and allow it to cool.
2. In a serving bowl, mix quinoa, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then toss everything gently.
5. Serve as a light lunch or side dish.

Thai Quinoa Salad

With vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Thai quinoa salad is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha

Cooking method:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package directions and allow to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, carrots, bell pepper, peanuts, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until combined.
5. Let it chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Greek Quinoa Salad

This Greek-inspired salad combines traditional flavors with the wholesome goodness of quinoa.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook the quinoa and let it cool completely.
2. In a bowl, mix quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta.
3. In another bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Serve chilled with grilled pita bread.

Spinach and Quinoa Salad

A simple yet nutritious salad that combines the hearty texture of quinoa with fresh spinach leaves.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

Cooking method:

1. Cook the quinoa in water, then allow it to cool.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onion, walnuts, and quinoa.
3. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
4. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later.

Berry Quinoa Salad

A delightful combination of sweet berries and savory quinoa, perfect for a healthy breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup blackberries
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooking method:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and pecans.
3. In a small bowl, mix honey and lemon juice.
4. Pour the honey mixture over the salad and toss gently.
5. Serve immediately or chill before enjoying.