Best 2 Easy Quinoa Salad Recipes

Quinoa salad is a versatile and healthy dish that can be easily prepared in under 30 minutes. It's packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a great choice for a light and refreshing meal or a nutritious side dish. With its mild nutty flavor, quinoa pairs well with a wide variety of ingredients, from fresh vegetables and fruits to nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to bring to a potluck or picnic, this article will provide you with the best recipes and tips for creating a delicious and satisfying quinoa salad.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

EASY QUINOA SALAD

Easy Quinoa Salad image

This is an absolutely delicious and refreshing quinoa salad that I'm sure everyone will enjoy. It's fast and easy to prepare. It can be served with falafel, fish, or chicken. Enjoy!

Provided by Nana

Categories Salad Grains Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 cup water
½ cup quinoa
1 cup rinsed canned chickpeas
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup chopped green onions
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Combine chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, and parsley in a large bowl. Stir in cooled quinoa.
Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, mint, salt, and pepper together in a separate small bowl. Pour over quinoa mixture; toss to combine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 162.8 calories, Carbohydrate 23.3 g, Fat 6 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 326 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

EASY QUINOA AND EDAMAME SALAD

Easy Quinoa and Edamame Salad image

This quinoa and edamame salad is a superfood dream! Packed full of flavor and nutrients, you will want to make this time and time again! This salad can be made as a main dish, side dish, potluck, meal prep--it's pretty much a perfect salad!

Provided by Plant Based Life

Categories Salad Grains Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 ½ teaspoons liquid aminos (such as Bragg®)
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 ½ cups cooked quinoa
1 cup shelled edamame
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
½ cup chopped Persian cucumber
½ cup shredded carrot
½ cup sliced green onion
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup slivered almonds

Steps:

Combine olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, liquid amino, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a mason jar. Seal the lid and shake dressing until fully blended.
Place cooked quinoa, edamame, bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, green onion, cranberries in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the dressing and mix until well combined; save any remaining dressing for another use. Place in the refrigerator until chilled, at least 1 hour.
Garnished with slivered almonds to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 326.9 calories, Carbohydrate 32.3 g, Fat 19.6 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 8.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 92.2 mg, Sugar 12 g

Tips:

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking. This will remove the bitter-tasting saponins that coat the quinoa grains.
Use a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water or broth. This will result in perfectly cooked quinoa that is light and fluffy.
Cook the quinoa over medium heat. Bring the quinoa and water or broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through.
Fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving. This will help to separate the quinoa grains and prevent them from clumping together.
Quinoa can be cooked in a rice cooker. Follow the instructions in your rice cooker's manual for cooking quinoa.
Quinoa can be cooked in a microwave. Place 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups water or broth in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Stir the quinoa, then microwave for an additional 5 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through.
Quinoa can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, stews, and pilafs. It can also be used as a side dish or as a breakfast cereal.

Conclusion:

Quinoa is a nutritious and versatile grain that is easy to cook. It can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a great addition to any kitchen. With its mild flavor and high protein content, quinoa is a healthy and delicious choice for any meal.