15 Quinoa Salad Recipes
Updated: Nov. 10, 2023
Quinoa deserves its moment in the spotlight—that great grain is packed with nutrients! It also adds a light and nutty flair to these quinoa salad recipes.
Summer Salad
This is the perfect summer salad recipe for picnics and potlucks. It's full of pearl couscous, quinoa, colorful vegetables and fruit.
Asian Quinoa Salad
The aspect that makes this veggie-loaded quinoa salad from JoyFoodSunshine stand apart is its dressing, made with a mouth-watering combination of hoisin sauce, coconut milk and peanut butter.
Lemon Cranberry Quinoa Salad
As the family cook, I appreciate how easy this is to throw together on a busy weeknight. Plus, this salad never gets boring. One of my favorite variations is to substitute diced fresh mango for the cranberries, cilantro for the parsley, and lime for the lemon juice and zest. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa Salad
With Brussels sprouts for the green and cranberries for the red, I make a cheery Christmastime salad. Refreshing and versatile, it works with any kind of nut or dried fruit. —Cameron Stell, Los Angeles, California
Kale and Quinoa Salad
This vibrant salad from The Hungry Waitress is the kind that improves with time, as the black beans, kale, tomatoes and dried cranberries all meld together with the quinoa and lemony dressing.
Warm Squash & Quinoa Salad
Whenever I see butternut squash at the supermarket, I buy one. It's amazing tossed with earthy quinoa, Italian spices and crunchy pine nuts. And don't get me started on the browned butter! Yum. —Carly Taylor, Libertyville, Illinois
Curried Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is such a fantastic salad base—it's full of protein, it adds a nutty flavor, and it's the perfect vehicle to soak up any kind of dressing. If you like a little more heat, add more cayenne or curry to the dressing. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Avocado & Garbanzo Bean Quinoa Salad
This delicious quinoa avocado salad is high in protein and holds well in the fridge for a few days. If you make it ahead, add avocados and tomatoes right before serving. —Elizabeth Bennett, Seattle, Washington
Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad
Mexican street corn is the inspiration for this unique quinoa salad from Chef De Home. A chipotle and lime dressing complements the grilled corn, mango, avocado and cotija cheese.
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
In our new cookbook “The Kitchen Decoded,” we include tabbouleh salad because it's super simple and filling. Try red quinoa for a slightly earthier flavor. —Logan Levant, Los Angeles, California
Black Bean & Corn Quinoa
Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn’t. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts
Colorful Quinoa Salad
My youngest daughter recently learned she has to avoid gluten, dairy and eggs, which gave me a new challenge in the kitchen. I put this dish together as a side we could all share. We love it for leftovers too. —Catherine Turnbull, Burlington, Ontario
Avocado Quinoa Salad
Subtly spiced crunchy chickpeas are the key to this wonderful quinoa salad by The Last Food Blog. Fresh avocado, cucumber, tomato and a creamy mustard dressing complete the dish.
Garden Quinoa Salad
This recipe is special to me because it’s delicious as well as healthful. Serve it hot or cold, and enjoy the leftovers while they’re fresh! —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California
California Quinoa
I’m always changing this salad up. Here I used tomato, zucchini and olives for a Greek-inspired salad. Try adding a few more favorite fresh veggies you know your family will love. —Elizabeth Lubin, Huntington Beach, CaliforniaDon’t miss our other hearty grain bowls, made with wheat berries, rice, bulgur and more.
Originally Published: October 11, 2018
