Favorite Quinoa Salad didn’t exactly sound like something I’d ever crave—at least not at first. I mean, I grew up in a kitchen where comfort food came in the form of creamy pastas, sizzling pans, and everything warm and cozy. So quinoa? It always felt like that one “health” food everyone else raved about, but I just… couldn’t.
My whole perspective flipped when I finally decided to really try quinoa properly! Not the plain, soggy kind that sits forgotten at the back of the salad bar—but something bold, colorful, and totally satisfying. I started playing with flavors, textures, and yes, even those crunchy little wasabi peas I found in the snack aisle. And friends—this is the one. The Favorite Quinoa Salad that changed my mind for good.
If you’ve been looking for a quinoa recipe that actually excites you, you’re in the right place. It’s hearty but fresh, super flexible, and bursting with personality (kind of like your favorite cozy sweater, but in salad form). Let’s dive in.
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My Quinoa Love Story (Spoiler: It Wasn’t Love at First Bite)
I never imagined I’d say this happily, but this quinoa salad has become a favorite.
Growing up around hearty, comforting meals in my aunt’s kitchen, quinoa just wasn’t something that ever made it to our table. It always seemed like the poster child of trendy health food—a little bland, a little too “clean.”
But life has a funny way of changing your taste buds, especially when your body starts craving something that feels good and tastes amazing. I was coming off a season of burnout—physically, creatively, emotionally. I turned back to the kitchen to reconnect with myself, and quinoa kept showing up in my recipe notes.
So, I challenged myself to make a version I actually craved. A little color, a little crunch, and a big, bold dressing later, I ended up with this favorite quinoa salad—a dish that totally flipped the switch for me.
Why This Is My Favorite Quinoa Salad Recipe
This favorite quinoa salad recipe has it all: satisfying texture, bold flavor, and nourishing ingredients that make your body happy. It’s what I call a “meal salad”—you know, one of those hearty bowls that doesn’t leave you looking for a snack 30 minutes later.
It’s also perfect for sharing. I’ve brought it to book clubs, potlucks, and backyard picnics, and it’s always the dish people ask me about. What makes this one so special? Well, let’s break it down…
The Textures Are Everything
there’s something absolutely incredible about how crispy cabbage, sweet burst-in-your-mouth tomatoes, and those perfect little edamame beans all come together with fluffy quinoa! And here’s where it gets really fun – toss in some crunchy wasabi peas for that amazing spicy kick and WOW – this quinoa salad becomes your new obsession (in the absolute best way)!
It’s Colorful and Filling
Let’s be honest: pretty food just hits different! This colorful bowl tastes amazing and keeps you satisfied without weighing you down – ideal for any meal!
What You’ll Need to Make the Best Quinoa Salad
When it comes to building the favorite quinoa salad of your dreams, the ingredients matter. I like to think of this salad as a mix between a garden bowl and an Asian-fusion dish, so you get the best of both worlds.
Favorite Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
Quinoa:
- 0.2 cup quinoa tri-colour (or any variety)
- 0.4 cups water
Salad:
- 0.2 cup cucumber finely diced
- 0.2 medium carrot peeled and finely shredded
- 0.6 cups red cabbage finely shredded (~1/4 small or 1/8 large cabbage)
- 0.4 green onions finely sliced
- 50 g / 1.6 oz cherry tomatoes quartered or cut into 6 if large
- 0.2 cup shelled edamame cooked and cooled
- 0.2 red bell pepper capsicum, finely chopped
- 0.1 cup cilantro coriander leaves, finely chopped
Dressing:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce light or all-purpose
- 0.4 tbsp mirin
- 0.4 tbsp rice wine vinegar or cider, sherry, or champagne vinegar
- 0.4 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 0.5 tbsp canola vegetable, or grapeseed oil
- 0.5 tbsp Kewpie mayonnaise or substitute with whole-egg mayo
- 0.5 tsp sugar white or brown
- 0.4 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 0.2 garlic clove crushed or finely grated
Garnishes:
- 0.07 cup crushed wasabi peas
- 0.2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Toast Quinoa (Optional): Preheat oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan). Spread quinoa on a tray and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and nutty-smelling.
- Rinse Quinoa: Transfer toasted quinoa to a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water for 10 seconds. Shake off excess water.
- Cook Quinoa: Place quinoa and 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Cover with a lid and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes, until water is absorbed.
- Rest & Fluff: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and allow to cool completely.
- Make Dressing: Add all dressing ingredients to a jar. Seal and shake well until combined.
- Assemble Salad: Place cooled quinoa in a large bowl. Add cucumber, carrot, cabbage, green onions, tomatoes, edamame, red capsicum, and cilantro.
- Dress & Toss: Pour over the dressing and toss thoroughly to combine.
- Garnish: Serve on a platter or individual bowls. Sprinkle generously with crushed wasabi peas and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
Nutrition
This is the moment where your favorite quinoa salad comes to life. Give it about 10-15 minutes to just hang out and let all those amazing flavors get to know each other! It gets even better with time.
How to Serve This Quinoa Salad
This is hands down the best quinoa salad for getting your meal prep game on point! It keeps in the fridge for days, holds its texture, and makes lunch feel like a treat instead of a chore.
Enjoy It as a Main Dish
Dish it up in a large bowl and finish with slices of avocado or some grilled chicken on top. For a plant-based protein boost, toss in some roasted chickpeas or tofu. You could even pair it with an Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwich for a powerhouse plate.
Make It a Side Star
Pair it with roasted veggies, salmon, or a warm bowl of soup. It’s also perfect on a salad spread with the original Caesar salad recipe and maybe a fresh fruit platter.
This is the favorite quinoa salad you’ll want at every picnic, brunch, and dinner party.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
This is more than just any salad—it’s my favorite quinoa salad, and I know it’ll be yours too. It’s colorful, crunchy, fresh, and absolutely crave-worthy. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a dish that impresses guests, this salad does it all.
If you’re someone who’s been skeptical of quinoa, trust me—this recipe might just be your turning point. It was mine. Now, whenever I need a boost of energy and flavor, I whip up a batch of this favorite quinoa salad and feel like I’m giving my body a hug from the inside out.
It’s healthy without trying too hard. And it’s fun to make—especially when you toss it with music on and a smile on your face.
FAQs About Favorite Quinoa Salad
Is quinoa salad served hot or cold?
Keep it nice and cool – either straight from the fridge or just sitting at room temp! This is the secret to keeping those veggies super crisp and all the flavors playing nicely together
How long does quinoa salad last in the fridge?
Here’s your storage secret: airtight container = fresh salad for 4 whole days! Before you eat, just toss it around a bit and add a little lime squeeze if you’re feeling fancy!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, yes, yes! Prep all components in advance and toss just before serving. This makes your favorite quinoa salad party-ready with no stress.
What goes best with quinoa salad?
This favorite quinoa salad plays well with others. Serve it alongside a grilled protein or pair it with another hearty salad like a Dense Bean Salad or La Scala Chopped Salad for a colorful spread.
Can I substitute the dressing?
Totally! While this Asian-inspired dressing makes the dish, you can swap in lemon tahini, balsamic vinaigrette, or your go-to citrus dressing. But try the original once—you might find it becomes your new go-to.
