Quickie Quinoa Salad Recipes

QUINOA SALAD RECIPES 5 WAYS

Steps:

• Add quinoa and water to a large pot on the stove. Bring to a boil over high heat, then decrease to med-low heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat, stirring quinoa once more. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
• While quinoa is cooling (you can also do this while it's cooking), prepare the toppings of choice for whichever salad you are going to make (choose from one of the headings). Once quinoa has cooled slightly, mix in toppings and toss to combine well. Serve and enjoy!
• Quinoa salad is typically eaten cold and will last in the fridge up to 5 days. Cooked quinoa without toppings will last in the freezer up to 3 months. If freezing, defrost in the fridge for 24 hours before tossing with toppings and serving.

SERIOUSLY GOOD QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Add quinoa to a fine mesh strainer, and then rinse under cool water for 30 seconds to a minute. Alternatively, add the quinoa to a bowl and cover with cool water. Move the quinoa around the bowl, and then drain the water and repeat once more, so the quinoa has been rinsed.
• Shake the quinoa of any excess liquid. Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil then reduce to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, until the liquid is absorbed by the quinoa, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Move the saucepan off of the heat and cover for five minutes. This extra time allows the quinoa to steam and "fluff up." Uncover, and then fluff the quinoa with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly.
• When the quinoa has cooled slightly, in a large bowl, combine the quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, bok choy, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and the herbs.
• In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until blended.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Taste then adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed. For an extra pop of flavor, spritz the juice from a few lemon wedges over the salad. Serve.

ZESTY QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl.
• Combine quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, and green onions together in a bowl. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator.

QUINOA VEGETABLE SALAD

Steps:

• Heat the canola oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir the garlic and 1/4 cup onion in the hot oil until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the water, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and bring to a boil; stir the quinoa into the mixture, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover. Simmer until the quinoa is tender, about 20 minutes. Drain any remaining water from the quinoa with a mesh strainer and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Refrigerate until cold.
• Stir the tomato, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, corn, and 1/4 cup red onion into the chilled quinoa. Season with cilantro, mint, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad; gently stir until evenly mixed.

QUINOA SALAD WITH BAKED GOAT CHEESE ROUNDS

Steps:

• For the quinoa and goat cheese rounds: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the quinoa with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, covered, until the hull is visible, about 12 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly.
• While the quinoa cooks, slice the goat cheese log into eight rounds.
• Add the olive oil to a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the panko and toast, stirring, until golden. Remove the breadcrumbs to a shallow baking dish and let cool slightly.
• Press the goat cheese rounds into the toasted panko, coating them on all sides, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Bake until softened slightly, 4 to 6 minutes. While the goat cheese is baking, make the salad dressing.
• For the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients. Season with additional salt and pepper.
• For the assembly: Combine the cooked quinoa, salad greens, sliced almonds and dried cherries in a large bowl. Add all or a portion of the dressing, tossing to combine. Plate the salad topped with baked goat cheese rounds and serve immediately.

EASY QUINOA SALAD

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.

GOLDEN SUNSHINE QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Bring the chicken stock to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the quinoa and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the quinoa until it has expanded fully, about 20 to 25 minutes. Uncover, fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
• Place the cooled quinoa in a large bowl. Add the scallions, raisins, rice vinegar, orange juice and zest, olive oil, cumin, cucumber and parsley and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, then serve.

QUICKIE QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Soak the quinoa in water for 15 minutes, then drain. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine quinoa and about 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a full boil. Cover the pot, and let the quinoa cook for another minute. Turn the heat down to very low and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid on. Uncover the quinoa and fluff gently with a fork. Set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, put the chopped cucumber, cilantro, toasted pine nuts and the olive oil in a serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, then add the quinoa and toss. Eat and enjoy!