15 Quinoa Salad Recipes to Brighten Your Table

Quinoa salads are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy your meals. These versatile salads are packed with nutrients and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty side dish, quinoa salads offer something for everyone.

From Mediterranean flavors to zesty dressings, there are countless ways to prepare quinoa salads. They are perfect for gatherings or meal prep, making it easy for you to eat well throughout the week. You’ll love the variety and taste that quinoa salads can bring to your dining table.

1) Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Mediterranean quinoa salad is a tasty and healthy dish perfect for any meal. You get a mix of flavors with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. It’s easy to make and offers great nutrition.

To start, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. Cook it according to package instructions until it’s fluffy.

Meanwhile, take a serving bowl and add the juice and zest of 1 lemon, along with oregano, Kosher salt, and pepper.

Once the quinoa is ready, let it cool slightly. Then, mix it into the bowl with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and olives. You can also add feta cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Bell peppers, chopped
• Onion, chopped
• Olives, sliced
• Feta cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. Cook quinoa as directed on the package.
3. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Once quinoa is cooked, let it cool.
5. Mix quinoa with chopped vegetables and feta cheese, if desired.

2) Greek Quinoa Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

This Greek quinoa salad is a delicious and healthy dish. It combines quinoa with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. The addition of feta cheese adds a tasty twist.

The red wine vinaigrette ties it all together, giving the salad a tangy flavor. You can enjoy it as a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

It’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. Cook quinoa in two cups of water, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and olives.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

3) Zesty Lemon-Tahini Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

This Zesty Lemon-Tahini Quinoa and Chickpea Salad is both refreshing and filling. You’ll enjoy the bright flavors of lemon combined with creamy tahini. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish.

Start by cooking your quinoa until it’s fluffy. Once it’s done, let it cool before mixing in fresh veggies.

Add raw chickpeas for a protein boost and crunch.

For the dressing, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of water. This will create a creamy texture that brings everything together beautifully. Drizzle it over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh vegetables (like cucumber, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. Cook quinoa in 2 cups water on medium heat until fluffy.
3. Let quinoa cool in a bowl.
4. Add chickpeas and chopped vegetables.
5. In a separate bowl, mix tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
6. Add water to the dressing until smooth.
7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

4) Lentil and Quinoa Protein Boost Salad

This Lentil and Quinoa Protein Boost Salad is a tasty way to get your protein fix. Combining lentils and quinoa makes it high in protein and fiber.

You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies and herbs. Try adding chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for a fresh crunch.

For a bit of flavor, mix in ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite seasonings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook quinoa and lentils according to package instructions.
2. Chop all vegetables.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, lentils, and chopped vegetables.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well. Enjoy!

5) Cucumber, Tomato, and Bell Pepper Quinoa Delight

This refreshing salad brings together the crispness of cucumber, the juiciness of tomatoes, and the sweetness of bell peppers. It’s light, vibrant, and packed with flavor.

Start by cooking your quinoa according to the package instructions. Let it cool while you chop fresh vegetables.

Combine diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers in a large bowl. Toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.

Drizzle with a simple dressing made of olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and enjoy this delightful quinoa salad!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook quinoa as per package instructions and cool it.
2. Chop cucumber, tomatoes, and bell pepper.
3. In a large bowl, mix the vegetables and herbs.
4. Whisk olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper together.
5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

6) Citrusy Lime and Cilantro Quinoa Bowl

This Citrusy Lime and Cilantro Quinoa Bowl is refreshing and simple to make. The bright flavors of lime and cilantro really bring the dish to life. You can enjoy it as a main meal or a side.

Start by cooking quinoa in water until it’s fluffy. Add freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro for flavor.

You can also throw in other ingredients like diced peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and taste.

This bowl is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• Juice of 1-2 limes
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt to taste
• Optional: diced peppers or cherry tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
4. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff quinoa with a fork.
7. Mix in lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, and salt.
8. Add any chopped veggies if desired.
9. Serve warm or chilled.

7) Tangy Lemon Oregano Quinoa Mix

This Tangy Lemon Oregano Quinoa Mix is refreshing and easy to prepare. The zesty lemon and savory oregano add a burst of flavor to fluffy quinoa. It’s a perfect side dish for your meals or a light lunch.

To make this salad, start by cooking quinoa according to package instructions. Use water or vegetable broth for extra flavor.

Once cooked, let the quinoa cool down. Then, add chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives for crunch and color. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice to tie everything together.

Finally, sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the mixture gently until well combined. Enjoy your vibrant and healthy dish!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Let quinoa cool, then fluff with a fork.
5. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, and olives.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
7. Add oregano, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine.

8) Refreshing Spring Quinoa and Veggie Mix

This vibrant quinoa salad is perfect for spring. You’ll love the fresh taste and crunchy veggies. It’s easy to make and packed with nutrients.

Start by cooking quinoa until fluffy. Combine it with your choice of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. You can also add some herbs for extra flavor.

A zesty lemon dressing brings everything together. This light dish works great as a main course or side. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add quinoa.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
4. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
5. In a bowl, mix cooled quinoa with veggies and herbs.
6. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.

9) Nutritious Quinoa and Shrimp Salad

This nutritious quinoa and shrimp salad is a great choice for a healthy meal. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. You will enjoy the blend of textures from the shrimp, quinoa, and fresh vegetables.

Cook 1 cup of quinoa and let it cool. Sauté shrimp in a pan until pink and cooked through. Mix the shrimp with the quinoa, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and crumbled feta cheese.

Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for extra taste. Add salt and pepper to suit your flavor. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and keeps well for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa and cook according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, sauté shrimp over medium heat until pink.
3. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well.

10) Southwestern Black Bean and Quinoa Fiesta

This Southwestern Black Bean and Quinoa Fiesta salad is a vibrant and tasty dish. It combines quinoa, black beans, and fresh vegetables for a nutritious meal. The flavors of lime and cumin give it a delicious kick.

To make this salad, start with cooked quinoa as your base. Add in drained black beans, diced bell peppers, and sweet corn. These ingredients add crunch and color.

For the dressing, whisk together olive oil and lime juice. Season it with garlic powder and cumin for extra flavor. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn, thawed
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and bell pepper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, and cumin.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper.

11) Sweet and Sour Mango Quinoa Salad

This Sweet and Sour Mango Quinoa Salad is a delightful mix of flavors. The sweetness of ripe mango combines with a tangy dressing to create a refreshing dish.

Start by cooking quinoa and letting it cool. Mix in diced mango, chopped bell peppers, and red onion for color and crunch. A honey-lime dressing adds a sweet and sour twist.

Serve this salad cold as a side or a light meal. It’s great for potlucks or summer gatherings. You’ll love how easy it is to make and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a bowl, combine cooled quinoa, mango, bell pepper, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
5. Serve chilled.

12) Tropical Pineapple Quinoa Wonder

This Tropical Pineapple Quinoa Wonder is a refreshing salad perfect for warm days. You’ll enjoy the mix of sweet pineapple and crunchy vegetables.

Start by cooking your quinoa according to the package instructions. Let it cool while you prepare the other ingredients.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with diced pineapple, red bell peppers, and chopped mint. These add vibrant flavors and colors.

For a zesty kick, whisk together lime juice and a little honey. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and toss gently.

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. Cook quinoa in water over medium heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Let quinoa cool completely.
4. In a bowl, mix quinoa, pineapple, bell pepper, and mint.
5. Whisk lime juice and honey in a small bowl.
6. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

13) Roasted Veggie and Quinoa Comfort Bowl

This Roasted Veggie and Quinoa Comfort Bowl is a warm and hearty dish perfect for any day. You’ll enjoy the mix of roasted vegetables and fluffy quinoa.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop sweet potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, and spices.

Spread the veggies on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender. While they cook, prepare your quinoa according to package instructions.

Once everything is ready, mix the roasted veggies with the quinoa. You can add a splash of lemon juice for a fresh taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 sweet potato
• 2 carrots
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Chop the sweet potato, carrots, and bell pepper.
3. Toss the veggies with olive oil and spices.
4. Roast the veggies for 25-30 minutes.
5. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth.
6. Mix roasted veggies with quinoa.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

14) Cranberry and Walnut Quinoa Medley

This Cranberry and Walnut Quinoa Medley is a delightful and healthy choice. The flavors of the tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts come together perfectly with the fluffy quinoa.

To make this dish, start by cooking the quinoa. Combine it with dried cranberries, walnuts, and a touch of parsley for freshness. A light dressing enhances the taste, making it perfect for any meal.

Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor. It’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dressing (olive oil, lemon juice, or your choice)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
6. In a large bowl, mix quinoa, cranberries, walnuts, parsley, and feta if using.
7. Drizzle with dressing, and toss to combine.
8. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

15) Asian Sesame Ginger Quinoa Creation

This Asian Sesame Ginger Quinoa Salad is a quick and tasty dish. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side for dinner. You will love the rich flavors from the sesame and ginger dressing.

Start by cooking quinoa until it’s fluffy. You can use red or white quinoa for added color. Mix in fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and edamame for crunch and nutrition.

Top it off with a homemade sesame ginger dressing made from sesame oil, ginger, and lemon juice. Toss everything together and serve it chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa (red or white)
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup shelled edamame
• 1 cup assorted bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1.5 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
4. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
5. In a bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, edamame, bell peppers, and carrots.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, lemon juice, ginger, and salt.
7. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss well.
8. Serve the dish chilled or at room temperature.