Zesty Quinoa Salad Recipe
I can’t believe something so healthy tastes so good. I’m normally indifferent to quinoa. I mean, it’s quinoa and usually not too earth-shattering. But I couldn’t stop eating this. It’s a fast, easy dish that’s ready in 20 minutes and packed with big flavors and so much texture. It happens to be accidentally vegan, gluten-free, with no added sugar, and very little oil or salt. There’s sweet yellow onion to boost the flavor, chewy and slightly sweet sun-dried tomatoes, Fisher Natural Sliced Almonds for a satisfying crunch, and parsley to add color and a mild herb flavor. Apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and lemon zest really brighten up the dish up and beautifully complement the sun-dried tomatoes. I use dry rather than oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to keep things healthier.
What’s in Zesty Quinoa Salad?
To make this accidentally vegan quinoa salad, you’ll need:
Olive oil Yellow onion Quinoa Water Apple cider vinegar Lemon juice and zest Salt and pepper Sun-dried tomatoes Fresh parsley (mint or basil are also great) Fisher Natural Sliced Almonds
How to Make Easy Quinoa Salad
This is such an easy salad to make! It tastes more impressive than it really is to make! Follow these simple straightforward directions:
Can I Prep Zesty Quinoa Salad in Advance?
Yes and I actually prefer it! This quinoa and sun dried tomato salad can be served warm and immediately or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors develop over time and tastes better a day or two after making it, and can either be served warm or cold.
Can I Add Other Veggies?
Yes you can but keep in mind that the more veggies you add to this cold quinoa salad, the more dressing you’ll need. Finely chopped cauliflower or riced cauliflower, or very finely diced or shaved Brussels sprouts are two ideas and vegetables that come to mind.
Tips for the Best Quinoa Salad
I use tri-colored quinoa and while I don’t think it tastes much different than white quinoa, I like the added color but use your favorite. The salad is great right away but it’s a perfect make-ahead recipe because the flavors develop over time and I think it tastes better a day or two after making it. You can either serve this vegan quinoa salad warm or cold. And since there’s no mayo it’s a great salad for lunch boxes, picnics, potlucks, and casual get-togethers.
More Easy Quinoa Salad Recipes:
Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Quinoa Salad (GF) — Trying to keep meals healthier and lighter? Make this easy, refreshing and satisfying salad! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Tabbouleh — Never had it? Think couscous or quinoa mixed with vegetables, herbs, lemon and olive oil! Easy, no cooking required, healthy, and packed with so much flavor! (Great for outdoor events because there’s no mayo!) Spinach And Artichoke Quinoa Salad – All the flavors of classic spinach and artichoke dip are in this HEALTHY salad!! The only thing that’s missing is tons of fat and calories! FAST, EASY, naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and tastes DELISH! Quinoa, Cherry, and Goat Cheese Salad – Healthy, EASY, and loaded with juicy cherries, tangy goat cheese, snap peas, mint, and more!! The PERFECT light yet satisfying salad with so many great flavors!! Garden Fresh Quinoa Salad – Loaded with everything fresh, light, healthy, and summery! Great for parties, potlucks, and lunch boxes because there’s no mayo! Make this easy and flavorful dish before summer disappears! Mediterranean Quinoa Salad — This EASY quinoa salad is ready in 20 minutes with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients including chickpeas, Kalamata olives, artichokes, and goat cheese to give layers of flavor and texture in every bite! Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian! Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad — A HEARTY salad that celebrates the flavors of fall including roasted Brussels sprouts and dried cranberries along with quinoa, chickpeas, spinach, and goat cheese!! Perfect for lunch, a meatless main, or a HEALTHY side dish on your holiday table!! Twelve Superfood Salad — This superfood salad is packed with 12 superfoods! This is a great clean out the fridge meal and is easily customized to suit whatever you need to use up. Skinny Mayo-Less Cabbage Salad (vegan, GF) – This healthy coleslaw isn’t coated with gobs of mayo and you won’t miss it! Edamame Feta Salad – Fast, easy, healthy, and packed with bigtime texture and bold flavors! Easily adaptable based on what’s in your fridge!! Healthy never tasted so good! Avocado, Black Bean and Corn Salad with Lime-Cumin Vinaigrette — Everything tastes better with avocado!! Easy, healthy and tons of flavor! Sweet and Sour Zucchini Corn Salad – Packed with big, bold flavors and tons of crunch! Healthy, light and not just another salad! Green Powerhouse Salad with Sesame-Ginger Vinaigrette (vegan, GF) – Want to feel better, stronger, healthier? This salad does wonders! Post is brought to you by Fisher. The recipe, images, text, and opinions expressed are my own. #ThinkFisher
