Salads are great but have a reputation of not being very filling. Quinoa adds bulk and also a softer texture against all of those crunchy veggies. If you find that your salads aren’t exactly filling, adding quinoa is a great way to fill out sad and insufficient salads. These quinoa salad recipes are worth checking out if you want a meat-free, gluten-free, and hearty salad option.
1. Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
This classic Middle Eastern dish is as bright and flavorful as it looks. It’s exploding with punchy flavors that are filling without weighing your down. The quinoa in this dish pairs with fresh parsley, tomatoes, onion, and mint. These robust flavors marry together with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Top it with a dollop of labneh cheese, hummus, or pita bread for added flavor. I love to stuff mine inside pita shells for a quick and easy sandwich!
2. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This Mediterranean quinoa salad is a great vegetarian dish with plenty of protein. While quinoa is the main attraction to this dish, added garbanzo beans amp up the protein to keep you satisfied. It has a base of peppery arugula with briny kalamata olive, red peppers, and fresh herbs. Combine these flavors with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and don’t forget the feta cheese! This salad is an excellent option for a meatless meal that doesn’t skimp on the added protein.
3. Zesty Quinoa Salad
Have you ever had the quinoa salad from Costco? It’s a simple dish that infuses quinoa and bright acidic flavors that are a snap to make at home. It’s salty, savory, and earns a slightly sweet kick from honey. It’s hard to resist. Making this salad at home is super simple. Pair cooked quinoa with crunchy vegetables like cucumbers, red onion, and sweet red or yellow peppers. Top it with a dressing comprised of white wine vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s simple but incredibly satisfying. Plus, it saves you yet another trip to Costco.
4. Quinoa Avocado Salad
If leafy greens are your least favorite part of a salad, this quinoa avocado salad is worth checking out! It omits leafy greens and infuses a quinoa base with crisp veggies. It comes together in a snap and is satisfying enough to serve as a complete meal. Top your simple salad with avocado right before serving. Pair it with a punchy vinaigrette that combines all those wonderful flavors from the veggies and quinoa. It’s creamy, insanely healthy, and the perfect option for a bright and aromatic summer meal.
5. Quinoa Kale Salad
When quinoa and kale unite, they transform into a nutritional powerhouse that cannot be stopped. If your diet hasn’t been super great lately, this salad is a great way to get back on track. The kale base offers a great crunch to this salad, while soft quinoa pulls everything together. With plenty of crispy veggies and a punchy lemon vinaigrette, you’ll be ready to take on the world after eating this salad.
6. Lentil Quinoa Salad
This lentil and quinoa salad is a great vegetarian recipe that is just as nutritious as a grilled chicken salad. Lentils are an excellent source of protein and fiber, and quinoa it’s incredibly filling! If you want a filling and satisfying meal that’s meat-free, this salad checks all of the boxes. The great thing about this salad is that you can add any veggie you like for a little added crunch. While the recipe calls for roasted red peppers, throw in veggies like Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, broccoli, or cauliflower.
7. Southwest Quinoa Salad
Are you in the mood for something a little spicy? This southwest quinoa salad delivers all of the flavors of taco night without the guilt. The quinoa base infuses classic southwest flavors such as black beans (for added protein), corn, red peppers, green onion, and cilantro. All of these punchy flavors come together with a homemade lime vinaigrette. Before serving, pair this salad with guacamole or sliced avocado for added creaminess. Next time you are in the mood for taco night, try this flavorful southwest quinoa salad instead!
8. Caprese Quinoa Salad
Caprese salad is the ultimate summer dish. If you want all those flavors to serve as a complete meal add quinoa! It’s rich in flavor and won’t leave you snacking a few hours later. Quinoa not only adds protein and fiber to this classic salad, but it also adds a pop of color. Paired with fresh mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, and fresh herbs, you likely won’t need to reach for a salad dressing. It works as a great side dish at your next potluck or as a complete meal.
9. Curry Quinoa Salad
Curry and salad aren’t two words that often go together. This salad is worth checking out if you want the satisfying goodness of curry without hovering over a simmering saucepan. It has a base of cooked quinoa and fresh veggies such as carrots, scallions, and fresh cilantro. The dressing infuses classic curry seasoning such as curry powder, Greek yogurt, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar, which mixes all those flavors together. Be sure to top it with sliced nuts and dried currants or raisins.
10. Green Goddess Quinoa Summer Salad
I’m a sucker for anything with a green goddess salad dressing. This salad pairs a spinach and quinoa base for a nutritional 1-2 punch. The spinach provides a lot of leafy green goodness, and the quinoa amps up the protein (sans the meat). Toss your salad with a magic green sauce that whips together in 5 minutes in the blender. It calls for avocado, pistachios, garlic, jalapeno (for added spice), oil, water, and lime juice. I love the bright green color of this salad dressing so much, I could eat it with a spoon. It’s creamy, indulgent, and the perfect meatless Monday meal to add to your summer rotation.
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