Quinoa salads are a healthy way to eat a protein-packed meal that can be flavored with all sorts of ingredients, from beans and nuts to fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits.
By combining a variety of ingredients, you can make all kinds of quinoa salads, like Greek, Mediterranean, Mexican or even the popular Jennifer Aniston Salad.
When it comes to quinoa, you really can’t go wrong.
Lots of times I just mix and match what I already have in my fridge and pantry with quinoa.
Every now and then I do a pantry challenge (where I make meals out of everything I have) and quinoa is a great base.
What is Quinoa?
Quinoa is a whole grain that’s high in protein and packed with vitamins and minerals. This super food has become very popular in recent years due to its high nutritional content.
In fact, quinoa is higher in protein than whole wheat pasta, wild rice, millet, couscous, and even oats.
The only other grain that has more protein than quinoa is amaranth.
On top of all that, quinoa is really versatile.
For instance, you can eat it whole or grind it into flour.
For anyone looking for a healthy flour substitute when baking, you might want to try out quinoa.
You really can’t tell the difference, but the nutritional benefits of quinoa flour are exponentially better.
To see even more health benefits of quinoa, take a look at this article from Healthline.
4 Ways to Eat Quinoa
- Replace Rice: Quinoa is a great substitute for rice and tastes delicious. And this grain is high in protein and gluten free. Making this super food a healthier alternative.
- Replace Oatmeal: This whole grain is lower in calories than oats and higher in protein.
- Add to Green Salads: Turn regular green salads into a protein powerhouse with the addition of quinoa.
- Add to Soups: Adding to soups is a great way to add nutritional benefits to homemade soups and helps keep you fuller longer.
Quinoa added to a steamy bowl of soup is delicious. It’s one of my favorite grains to eat with soup. I actually prefer it over rice. This super food is delectable eaten with Caldo de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Soup)
Ingredients to Add to Quinoa Salad
Quinoa bowls are delicious for breakfast with nuts and fruit. And for a meal they’re tasty with beans, greens, vegetables, cheese and more.
If you’re not sure what to add to your next bowl, here’s a list of 42 quinoa salad ingredient ideas.
Beans
Salad topped with roasted chickpeas adds a palatable crunch to a summer salad. I love adding roasted, crunchy, chickpeas to my salads in replacement of croutons.
However, cooked chickpeas drizzled with light olive oil and lemon juice are a nice touch to a leafy green salad as well.
Other types of beans are also great protein substitutions and can be easily added to quinoa salad.
- Chickpeas
- Black Beans
- Red Beans
- Cannellini Beans
Vegetables
Vegetables are just good for your soul, mind, and body. And if prepared correctly vegetables are pretty tasty and don’t need much seasoning.
Cucumbers are one of my favorite vegetables to add to quinoa salad.
I love to try different variations of quinoa salad and taste test with my family to see which salad takes the lead.
And the best part about quinoa salads is they are slam packed with nutrients! And super easy to put together.
- Cucumber
- Red Onion
- Corn
- Spinach
- Kale
- Tomatoes
- Red Bell Pepper
- Green Bell Pepper
- Broccoli
- Green Onion
- Black Olives
Fruits
Fresh fruits eaten first thing in the morning on an empty stomach have great health benefits. Benefits include detoxification, vitamin concentration, and can help slow your body’s absorption of sugars.
Making quinoa a great substitute for oats. Quinoa with almond milk, drizzled with honey for sweetener and topped with fresh fruit is divine.
And, did I mention? Quinoa has a higher magnesium content than oatmeal and is also higher in fiber and protein.
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Apples
- Banana
- Raisins
Fresh Herbs & Spices
Nothing adds more zest to a salad than fresh herbs and spices.
You can limit the amount of salt typically used in recipes when incorporating more fresh herbs and spices.
One of my favorite fresh herbs to use is cilantro and basil. Each herb adds a freshness that’s out of this world!
- Parsley
- Mint Leaves
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Basil
- Cumin
- Chili Powder
- Salt & Pepper
- Garlic
- Turmeric
Nuts
Depending on what taste I’m looking for. Depends on which nut I add to my salad.
Nuts are also a great replacement for croutons and if you roast your nuts salads become heavenly.
- Pine Nuts
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
- Pecans
Dressing
Fresh juiced lemon or lime adds a zesty kick to a flavorful salad. When squeezed as the finishing touch for salad you can skip the fatty dressings and just use what mother earth intended.
And you’ll find that salads are appetizing and a nutritional powerhouse of supply with fresh ingredients.
- Lime juice
- Lemon Juice
- Olive Oil
Cheese
Crumbled feta cheese is just good with almost any food item.
No wonder crumbled feta cheese is a tasty add-on to salads, chicken, and pasta. Goat cheese is another cheese that tastes delicious crumbled in a leafy green house salad.
- Feta Cheese
- Cotija Cheese
- Goat Cheese
How to Cook Quinoa
- Boil water or broth. Bring water or broth to a boil. For every 1 cup of quinoa you will use 2 cups broth or water.
- Add quinoa to water or broth. Boil it for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer the quinoa on low for 12-15 minutes. Once cooled, fluff with a fork.