25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (2024)

These 25 healthy quinoa salad recipes make for a perfect meal on a spring or summer day. Most of the recipes are gluten-free and vegan, and all of them are healthy, easy to make, and absolutely delicious.

Quinoa salads are one of my go-to meals, especially when the weather gets warm. They're so light, fresh, and healthy tasting, which is exactly what my body craves when it’s hot out. Quinoa is a super versatile ingredient, so you can tailor the flavors in a quinoa salad to fit whatever you’re craving. As a result, I sometimes find myself eating one every day!

There are a lot of different components in a quinoa salad. There’s the quinoa itself, the veggies and proteins you add to it, the dressing, and the garnishes. But if made well, all of those components can work in perfect harmony, and create a simple but magical dish.

In honor of the days getting longer and the sun coming out, it seemed like a good idea to put together 25 of my favorite recipes. Whether quinoa’s one of your favorite foods or you’re just getting started eating it, you’re going to love these easy, healthy, delicious salads.

Benefits of Quinoa Salad

Before we jump into some of my favorite quinoa salad recipes, it’s a good idea to talk about why I love them so much!

  • Quick. Quinoa salads are always quick and easy to make. Quinoa doesn’t take too long to cook, and you can put together the rest of the recipe in the time that it takes to cook the quinoa. Most quinoa salad recipes are pretty straightforward and easy, so they’re great for making any day of the week.
  • Healthy. Health is important to me, and quinoa is a big part of how I stay healthy. In fact, it’s one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Quinoa is considered a complete protein, which means it has all nine of the essential amino acids in it. It has loads of nutrients, protein, and fiber in it while being very low in calories. Most quinoa salad recipes add tons of fresh vegetables to quinoa, which is about as healthy of a meal as you can think of.
  • Gluten-free. Some people think that quinoa is a grain, but it’s actually a seed. As a result, it’s gluten-free! Almost all quinoa salads are gluten-free, too.
  • Cheap. One thing I love about quinoa is how affordable it is. If you’re trying to eat healthy food at a good price point, you should be buying lots of quinoa. It’s so much cheaper than most health foods. And the ingredients that go in these salads are affordable, too.
  • Versatile. Quinoa goes well with almost any flavor. This means you can always make a quinoa salad that matches your appetite and your cravings. It also means you can eat quinoa salad all the time and not get sick of it.

How to Store Leftovers

Quinoa salad will last for a long time in the fridge, so I love to make a large batch to last me through the week. Just keep leftovers in an airtight container and they’ll last for 5-7 days, depending on the other ingredients in the salad.

Tips and Tricks

As my website name would suggest, I’ve cooked a lot of quinoa in my life! Here are some of my favorite tricks for making a good salad.

  • Ratios. There are two ratios that are important with a quinoa salad. First, you need a good ratio of quinoa to other ingredients. And second, you need the proper ratio of water to dried quinoa when cooking it. Check out my guide for the perfect liquid ratio when cooking quinoa.
  • Let it marinate. Like so many foods, quinoa only gets better when given time to marinate. If you make a quinoa salad and you have spare time, leave it in the fridge for a few hours before eating it. The flavors will really grow.
  • Use fresh ingredients. Quinoa goes so well with fresh vegetables. One of my favorite ways to decide what type of quinoa salad to make is to go to the farmer's market. I’ll buy whatever vegetables are in season, and use them to make a great dish.

25 Easy Recipes You Need to Try

Let’s dive into some of my favorite quinoa salad recipes. Some of these recipes have simple flavors, while some are pretty complex. But all of them taste incredible, are easy to make and are packed with protein and nutrients. I know you’ll love them.

25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (2)

Wild Rice Quinoa Salad with Asparagus + Lemon-Turmeric Vinaigrette

Talk about spring flavors! The veggies in this quinoa salad are asparagus and kale, and it’s as fresh as fresh can be. Quinoa is often used as a replacement for rice, but this recipe uses it alongside wild rice, which makes for some complex flavors and interesting textures.

Check out this recipe

25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (3)

Herbed Spring Quinoa Salad

Quinoa pairs so well with fresh herbs. This recipe capitalizes on that, with a large amount of parsley, cilantro, and basil. When you account for the snap peas, radishes, and fresh lemon dressing, this is one of the most refreshing meals you’ll ever eat.

Check out this recipe

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Almond Butter Thai Quinoa Salad

The star of this salad is the almond butter dressing, which also has toasted sesame oil, gluten-free tamari, rice vinegar, and lime juice. It’s so rich and tangy and brings out the natural nutty flavor of quinoa. This recipe is also packed with fresh veggies, as it has broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage.

Check out this recipe

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Creamy Vegan Broccoli Quinoa Salad

This recipe has so much broccoli in it that it’s more like a broccoli salad with quinoa than a quinoa salad with broccoli. And trust me when I say that it works incredibly well! The salad is so simple, as it only has quinoa, broccoli, and almonds. But those ingredients work beautifully together, and the cashew butter dressing makes the salad rich and complex.

25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (6)

Summer Squash + Zucchini Quinoa Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts

Squash is one of my favorite summer vegetables, and this salad is absolutely loaded with it. The dressing is so fresh and vibrant, with lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Plus, this recipe uses yellow summer squash and green zucchini, so it looks gorgeous, too!

This recipe has all of your favorite pad thai flavors but in a quinoa salad. It’s got the fresh veggies, the cilantro and scallions, the peanut butter, sriracha, and tamari dressing, and the roasted peanuts on top. It really is pad thai! Except it’s also quinoa salad, and it’s awesome.

25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (8)

Cucumber, Tomato + Avocado Quinoa Salad

These are some of my favorite flavors to eat with quinoa. The crisp juiciness of tomatoes and cucumber adds so much life to quinoa. And the rich creaminess of avocado balances out the flavor and texture. This recipe couldn’t be easier to make, but it’s bursting with fresh flavors and healthy ingredients.

Check out this recipe

25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (9)

Chickpea & Quinoa Mason Jar Salad

Quinoa and chickpeas are two of my favorite healthy ingredients. So it only seems right to pair them together in this recipe, along with loads of fresh veggies and herbs, and a sweet, tangy, maple syrup and lemon vinaigrette. There’s so much fresh flavor and a wild amount of healthiness.

Check out this recipe

25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (10)

Farmer's Market Quinoa Salad

There are very few foods that are as beautiful as what you’ll get if you go to the farmer’s market, buy ripe, in-season vegetables, and turn them into a quinoa salad. You’re bound to have gorgeous colors and shapes, and it will somehow taste even better than it looks!

Check out this recipe

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Tropical Kale + Quinoa Power Salad

Quinoa might go wonderfully with vegetables, but it actually goes great with fruit, too! This recipe proves that, as it pairs savory ingredients like kale, cashews, and avocado, with blueberries and mango. The dressing is also a mix between sweet and savory, with ginger, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Trust me: it works!

Check out this recipe

25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (12)

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Quinoa

This is another example of fruit tasting so good when paired with quinoa. The strawberries in this recipe give a burst of sweetness to the quinoa and spinach and also add a little bit of tartness. A simple dressing of lime juice, mint, and honey makes this salad taste unbelievably fresh.

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25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (13)

Blueberry Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette

The flavors in this recipe could just as easily describe a co*cktail, but they make for an amazing quinoa salad instead. The secret to this recipe is that it has lots of spicy arugula, which cuts into the sweetness of the fresh blueberries.

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25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (14)

Roasted Leek and Broccoli Quinoa Salad with Chopped Almonds

A lot of quinoa salad recipes just use fresh vegetables, but some of my favorites use roast veggies. Broccoli and leek is a classic combination, and the roasted veggies add a depth, richness, and smokiness to the quinoa. I love nuts in salads, especially quinoa salads. The whole almonds in this recipe really take it to the next level.

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25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (15)

Moroccan Quinoa Salad

I love Moroccan food. If you do too, then you’ll love this dish. And if you’re not familiar with Moroccan cuisine, then this is a great way to get started eating it. The salad itself has amazing flavors like pistachios and dates, while the mouth-watering dressing includes lemon juice, orange juice, lemon zest, cumin, turmeric powder, and cinnamon. It’s a flavor party!

25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (16)

Easy Detox Quinoa Salad

This is one of my go-to recipes when I feel like I need to cleanse my body. It’s such a simple recipe, as the salad is just four ingredients: quinoa, chickpeas, beets, and arugula. The tahini lemon salad dressing is nutty and acidic but not overpowering. The beauty of this quinoa salad is its simplicity.

Check out this recipe

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Kale Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate

With kale and pomegranate seeds, this quinoa salad has enough red and green to be served at Christmas! But those ingredients go so well together, and walnuts and crispy chickpeas add a lot of richness to this salad. You’ll feel amazing after eating this healthy salad, and your taste buds will be happy, too!

Check out this recipe

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Grilled Corn Quinoa Salad

Grilled corn is a staple at my home in the summer. Something about the smokiness of the grill and the sweetness of the corn is just magical. It goes really well with quinoa, and the flavors are amplified by a handful of fresh cilantro, and the kick from a jalapeño. There’s a lot going on in this salad … and I mean that in a good way.

Check out this recipe

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Strawberry Quinoa Salad with Feta

Strawberries and feta cheese is one of my all-time favorite sweet and savory pairings. The salty brininess of the cheese just brings out the strongest flavor in the strawberries. This is a super rich recipe, as it not only has cheese but also avocado. Some fresh mint adds a nice Mediterranean flair to the salad.

Check out this recipe

25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (20)

Blackberry and Apricot Quinoa Salad

Blackberries and apricots may both be sweet, but they’re two fruits that always work well in savory dishes. They’re mixed with mint, almonds, and spinach in this quinoa salad, while a maple syrup, lemon juice, and turmeric salad dressing covers them. It’s an explosion of flavors that’s even better than it sounds.

25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (21)

Saffron Middle Eastern Quinoa Salad

Quinoa may be from South America, but it just goes perfectly with Middle Eastern flavors. The saffron, mint, dates, and sunflower seeds bring out the best flavors in the quinoa. Plus, the saffron makes the quinoa an absolutely stunning shade of gold. Talk about a beautiful dish!

Check out this recipe

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Green Bean and Almond Quinoa Salad

Green beans with almonds is a common side dish. So why not take it one step further and turn it into a quinoa salad? That’s what this recipe does, and the results are phenomenal. It’s so simple, but also a reminder that sometimes simple is perfect.

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Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad with Avocado

It’s safe to say that if you’re ever unsure of what to do with some quinoa, you can always just grill some veggies, throw them on top, and add a little salad dressing. That’s bound to leave you with a delicious meal. This recipe, with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini, is a strong reminder of how well quinoa pairs with roasted vegetables.

Check out this recipe

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Maple Lime Triple Berry Quinoa Salad

This recipe is closer to a fruit salad than a traditional quinoa salad, and I love it. It has strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, with seasoning from limes, maple syrup, and ginger. It’s basically an amazing fruit salad with the added health benefit of quinoa! It works as a dessert, but I love to eat it as a side during a cookout.

Check out this recipe

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Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad

If you don’t like Brussels sprouts, then this recipe probably isn’t for you. But if you do, then you’ve come to the right place. This is one of my favorite ways to eat Brussels sprouts, as the bitter flavor works wonderfully with rich quinoa. But the salad dressing is probably my favorite part of this dish, as it has coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and cumin seeds, mixed with vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil. What an amazing burst of flavors!

Check out this recipe

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Asian Kale Quinoa Salad

This recipe is primarily kale, with a little bit of salad. But it also has radicchio and carrots, and the result is that it’s visually stunning. It’s a bright green quinoa salad with bursts of orange and purple. Oh yeah, and it also tastes fantastic, with a miso paste salad dressing that you have got to try.

More Healthy Quinoa Recipes

Want to cook some quinoa recipes that aren’t salads? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered there too, with all sorts of quinoa recipes for you to check out.

25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (27)

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25 Quinoa Salad Recipes You Need to Try (2024)

FAQs

How long will quinoa salad keep in the fridge? ›

Make ahead: The salad can be made up to 1 day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

What makes quinoa better? ›

Unlike some plant proteins, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own. Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free and can be eaten safely if one has gluten intolerance such as celiac disease.

How to make quinoa tastier? ›

13 Ways To Add More Flavor To Quinoa
  1. Cook it in broth instead of water. ...
  2. Dress it with a vinaigrette. ...
  3. Mix cooked quinoa with caramelized onions. ...
  4. Infuse it with dried fruit and fruit scraps. ...
  5. Add oil and salt to cooked quinoa. ...
  6. Toast uncooked quinoa. ...
  7. Don't skimp on the garlic. ...
  8. Season your water with spices.
Jul 21, 2023

Is Costco quinoa salad healthy? ›

❓ Recipe FAQS

The quinoa salad from Costco is on the healthier side. It is rich in plant protein. A one-cup serving has about 12 grams of protein, and clocks in just under 300 calories. The nutrition content is high.

Is it okay to eat quinoa salad everyday? ›

You can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day. You should avoid eating it if you experience stomachache, itchiness or vomiting after consuming it. A study by Harvard Public School of Health has reported that eating a bowl of quinoa daily is healthy and without any side effects.

Does cooked quinoa go bad if not refrigerated? ›

Use airtight, freezer-friendly containers or bags to store it. Is it safe to keep cooked quinoa on the kitchen shelf for a day? A freshly prepared quinoa can be kept at room temperature to let it cool, but not more than 2 hours. It may get easily spoiled at room temperature by promoting bacterial growth.

What happens to your body when you eat quinoa everyday? ›

Quinoa is a great whole-grain source and has a high fiber content for optimal digestion, steady blood sugar and lower cholesterol, among other potential benefits. It is also an excellent grain option for people with celiac disease.

What does quinoa do to your gut? ›

The bioactive components of quinoa have been shown to promote the abundance of probiotic bacteria while simultaneously inhibiting pathogens. Furthermore, quinoa-derived bioactive compounds have been shown to reduce intestinal pH and increase the production of SCFAs.

What does quinoa do to your body? ›

The fiber in quinoa can also help with cholesterol and blood sugar levels, lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Quinoa is rich in antioxidants, which can prevent damage to your heart and other organs. A diet high in antioxidants has been linked with a decreased risk of heart disease.

What do you season quinoa with? ›

I find that some of the best seasonings for quinoa are cumin, dried bay leaf, turmeric, and salt, and black pepper. I also love to flavor it with fresh garlic and herbs such as parsley, dill, and cilantro. You can add the seasonings of your choice into the pot at the same time with the liquid and cook it as directed.

What should I put on my quinoa? ›

Now, your quinoa is cooked to fluffy perfection, but it's plain on its own. If you're serving it as a simple side, season it first. At the very least, toss it with salt, pepper, lemon or lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.

What can I mix with quinoa? ›

  1. Toss your cooked quinoa in oil, garlic, chilli flakes , cilantro , salt , pepper, a bit of chopped basil , 1 spoon lime juice and mix well. ...
  2. Simple salad with chopped lettuce, carrots, onions, basil, lemon juice, ranch dip , sriracha mayo and quinoa and toss well.
Jan 5, 2022

What vitamins are in quinoa salad? ›

  • Vitamins. Vitamin C. 3% 2.44 mg. — Riboflavin. — Niacin. — — Vitamin B6. — — — — — Choline. ...
  • Minerals. Calcium. 3% 40.3 mg. 10% 1.8 mg. — Phosphorus. — Potassium. — 18% 420 mg. — Copper. — ...
  • Proteins and Amino Acids. Protein. 12% 6 g. — — — — — — — — — — — — ...
  • Carbohydrates and Sugars. Carbohydrates. 11% 29 g. 18% 4.98 g. 2 g. — — — — — — —

How much is a serving of quinoa salad? ›

Registered dietitian Zannat Reza says the quinoa salad is a “good start” for a lunch with its reasonable fat content and 12 grams of protein. A one-cup portion (about 200 grams) has 296 calories, 12 grams of fat and 900 mg of sodium.

Can you freeze a quinoa salad? ›

In conclusion, yes, you can freeze quinoa salad. Freezing allows you to extend its shelf life and enjoy the convenience of a ready-to-eat meal whenever you desire.

Can I eat quinoa after 5 days? ›

A rival to rice or barley, quinoa can be cooked in batches as your carb of choice for the week. This way, you can store the cooked quinoa in the fridge for up to five days.

Can you eat quinoa after 7 days? ›

How long does cooked quinoa last in the fridge? With proper storage, the shelf life of quinoa is 5 days in the refrigerator. Always check it when you remove it from the refrigerator and if there are any off smells or visible signs of mold or a milk liquid present, you should discard it.

How do you know if quinoa has gone bad? ›

Mold growth and changes in smell and texture are reliable signs to determine if quinoa has gone bad.

Can quinoa salad be stored? ›

Mix all the veggies, quinoa, and chickpeas together in a large bowl and stir well. Add the dressing into the salad and mix. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This salad will remain fresh for 5 days.

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