5 Quick & Easy Quinoa Salad Recipes
These 5 Quick & Easy Quinoa Salad Recipes are perfect for meal prep! They're a great make-ahead vegetarian lunch option.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Cooling time30 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 259kcal
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt
Southwest quinoa salad
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 cup corn
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
- 2 tsp chili powder
Mediterranean (Greek) quinoa salad
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tsp oregano
Curried quinoa salad
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Caprese quinoa salad
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 cup bocconcini pearls, sliced in half
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Green goddess quinoa salad
- 1/2 cup edamame
- 1/2 cup broccoli finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/2 cup basil leaves
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Add quinoa and water to a large pot on the stove. Bring to a boil over high heat, then decrease to med-low heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat, stirring quinoa once more. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
While quinoa is cooling (you can also do this while it's cooking), prepare the toppings of choice for whichever salad you are going to make (choose from one of the headings). Once quinoa has cooled slightly, mix in toppings and toss to combine well. Serve and enjoy!
Quinoa salad is typically eaten cold and will last in the fridge up to 5 days. Cooked quinoa without toppings will last in the freezer up to 3 months. If freezing, defrost in the fridge for 24 hours before tossing with toppings and serving.
Cook the quinoa up to 2 days in advance for easy prep.
Try different ingredients like chickpeas, spinach, kale, avocado and feta.
Make sure to rinse the quinoa before cooking to rinse away the natural coating.
Store your quinoa salad in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze cooked quinoa for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge for 24 hours then se it to make a fresh salad.
Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 539mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1033IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 3mg