17 Quinoa Salad Recipes For Any Season

Considered a superfood, the South American seed quinoa (which is widely accepted as a whole grain) has gained popularity in the Western world in recent years due to its many benefits. Not only is it full of protein, fiber, and vital nutrients, but it can be cooked perfectly in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. You can use it as a simple swap for less fulfilling starches like pasta or rice in a classic recipe or let it inspire something brand new. One of the most popular ways to eat quinoa is in a crisp, fresh salad. From refreshing summer mixes to hearty grain bowls, a tasty quinoa salad can make a satisfying dinner or a simple lunch. The possibilities for quinoa in salads are endless, like this option which with sliced red peppers, toasted pecans and a pinch of cinnamon. Dressed with a touch of cider vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil, this recipe has an excellent combination of texture and color.

This simple dish uses quinoa to add protein to a crunchy and classic Greek salad. Dressed with a tangy red wine vinaigrette, the chopped cucumber, tomatoes and chickpeas add the perfect texture to romaine.

This next quinoa salad has all the flavor of fried rice but is full of vital nutrients from Shiitake mushrooms and snow peas. Simple and versatile, you can serve it warm or cold, as a meal or as a side for tofu or chicken.

Peas and mint are a match made in heaven. When the green legumes come into season in the spring, take advantage of the seasonal bounty and make this fresh salad with an extra kick of heat from a pinch of ground Aleppo pepper.

Quinoa salads can be elegant with the right ingredients. Fancy nicoise olives, aged shaved goat cheese and grilled asparagus will do the trick, along with some chopped fresh herbs.

Need a simple side that’s ready in a flash? Check out this quinoa and tomato salad, which combines halved grape tomatoes, sliced hearts of palm and chopped scallions.

Save yourself a trip to the store with this nutritious recipe that uses ingredients you most likely already have on hand. Frozen sweet corn, canned black beans and chopped cilantro combine with golden quinoa cooked in chicken broth and garlic for maximum flavor.

Grain bowls can make a satisfying and delicious meal with a bit of prep work. This Mexican-inspired bowl gets a nice crunch from tortilla chips and toasted pepitas, and the quinoa and shredded rotisserie chicken add easy protein.

After cooking the lentils and quinoa, this quick recipe is ready in minutes with just a bit of chopping. Eat it on its own, or use it as a base for a more elaborate meal.

Think a kale and quinoa salad can’t be tasty? Think again. This salad from Valerie Bertinelli uses crumbled goat cheese ands toasted pine nuts to add texture and flavor. Don’t forget to massage the kale before chopping to make it as tender as possible.

Thanks to some help from toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger and thinly sliced scallions, this chicken and quinoa salad is full of flavor. Napa cabbage, shredded carrots and sugar snap peas hold up well and won’t wilt if you want to get a jump on meal prep.

This recipe works just as well for packing lunch to go as it does served at an elegant cocktail hour thanks to spears of crunchy endive that corral the salad into finger food. Cubed avocado adds a pleasant richness, and chopped cucumber brings a fresh crunch.

Thanks to quinoa’s punch of protein, Greek tabbouleh gets a makeover that will keep you full and satisfied all day. The longer the vinaigrette has to soak into the quinoa, the better, making it an excellent option for a make-ahead meal.

This power salad from Michael Symon is big on flavor despite a short prep time due to a couple of simple tricks. Marinating the sliced red onion in the vinaigrette for a few minutes helps take the edge off. Tart dried cherries can be plumped into juicy perfection by scattering them over the top of cooling steamed quinoa.

Not all salads have to be cold, like this war Southwestern quinoa salad. With the help of some store-bought fire-roasted corn and canned pinto beans, you can add a tasty and flavorful addition to your meal prep repertoire.

Quinoa is similar to bulgur, making it the perfect gluten-free swap. In this recipe, a handful of chopped jarred peppers add a surprising burst of flavor to every bite.