15 Healthy & Delicious Quinoa Salads

Introducing my favorite quinoa salad recipes! Quinoa is such a wonderfully versatile ingredient that can be used as the base for a huge variety of fresh and vibrant salads, and as its high in protein and fiber, it’s fantastic for staying on track with your health and wellness goals. I eat these salads on repeat for quick and easy lunches, and though most of them are vegetarian and vegan friendly, you can customize them by adding shredded chicken or canned tuna for an added protein boost. Let’s get straight down to the recipes… 

1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is bursting with fresh flavors like cucumber, tomato, and feta, paired with a tangy lemon-herb dressing. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal, and it’s great for lunches or dinners. 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta.
2. In a small jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Chill before serving.

2. Southwest Quinoa Salad

Loaded with bold flavors and a zesty lime dressing, this Southwest Quinoa Salad is perfect for taco nights or a light lunch! 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix quinoa, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the salad with the dressing and serve.

3. Crunchy Asian Quinoa Salad

This Crunchy Asian Quinoa Salad features vibrant veggies and a sesame-ginger dressing for an irresistible combination of flavor and texture. I often enjoy this one as a quick and easy work-from-home lunch! 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup edamame
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions:

1. Combine quinoa, cabbage, carrots, edamame, and green onions in a bowl.
2. Whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and honey in a small jar.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

4. Apple Quinoa Salad

Crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy cranberries make this Apple Quinoa Salad a fall favorite, though it’s good at any time of the year!

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 2 cups mixed greens

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine quinoa, apple, cranberries, walnuts, and mixed greens in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the salad with the dressing and serve immediately.

5. Kale Salad with Quinoa and Chickpeas

This hearty Kale Salad with Quinoa and Chickpeas is packed with plant-based protein and tossed in a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. Don’t skip the step where you massage the kale – it makes a huge difference to the end result!

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp tahini
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Massage kale with olive oil until softened.
2. Add quinoa, chickpeas, and sunflower seeds to the kale.
3. Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss to coat.

6. Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad Bowl

Roasted sweet potatoes and creamy avocado make this salad bowl both nourishing and delicious. This is a must-try if you like substantial salads with some warm ingredients! 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups roasted sweet potatoes
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 cups arugula

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and arugula in a bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve.

7. Greek Chicken Quinoa Salad

A Greek-inspired quinoa salad packed with feta, olives, and a simple vinaigrette. This one reminds me of summer vacations, and it’s a beautiful choice on a warm day! 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded 
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta
• 1/4 cup diced cucumber

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix quinoa, tomatoes, olives, feta, and cucumber in a bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss with the salad.

8. Quinoa Avocado Salad

Creamy avocado and tangy lime dressing make this Quinoa Avocado Salad a fresh and satisfying choice. The avocado tends to brown once cut, so try to serve this one straightaway to enjoy it at its best. 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine quinoa, avocado, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss with the salad and serve.

9. Tropical Quinoa Salad

Bright and refreshing, this Tropical Quinoa Salad is bursting with flavors from mango, pineapple, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s like a mini vacation in every bite, and it’s perfect if you enjoy salads with a little sweetness! 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup diced mango
• 1/2 cup diced pineapple
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, mango, pineapple, coconut, and mint.
2. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss to coat, and serve chilled.

10. Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Salad

This Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Salad has a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy fall lunch! 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 2 cups mixed greens

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix quinoa, cranberries, pecans, celery, and greens in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the salad with the dressing and serve.

11. Spinach and Strawberry Quinoa Salad

Spinach and strawberry salad is one of my favorites, and by adding quinoa, you create a substantial meal that’s ideal for lunch or a light evening meal. The balsamic dressing really makes the flavors sing! 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine quinoa, spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, and almonds in a bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve immediately.

12. Roasted Veggie Quinoa Salad

Roasted vegetables bring warmth and depth to this quinoa salad, perfect for meal prep or a hearty lunch.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup roasted zucchini, sliced
• 1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers, sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine quinoa, roasted vegetables, and feta in a bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss, and serve.

13. Herb and Lemon Quinoa Salad

Fresh herbs and lemon bring brightness to this simple yet flavorful quinoa salad. It’s perfect as a side dish or light meal.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped mint
• 1/4 cup chopped dill
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix quinoa, parsley, mint, dill, lemon zest, and juice.
2. Whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the salad with the dressing and serve chilled.

15. Quinoa Tabbouleh

This Quinoa Tabbouleh is a gluten-free twist on the Middle Eastern classic, loaded with fresh herbs, lemon, and crunchy cucumbers.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped mint

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and mint in a bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the salad with the dressing and serve chilled.

These 15 quinoa salad recipes prove just how versatile and delicious this tiny supergrain can be. Whether you’re looking for something fresh, hearty, or sweet, there’s a quinoa salad here for every craving. Which one will you try first? Let me know in the comments below!