Quinoa Salad #1: The Classic Mediterranean

Never a wrong move with a classic!

This salad includes all of my favorite Mediterranean tastes:

• Quinoa: The base of the salad, cooked to perfection-so fluffy, not mushy at all.
• Roasted vegetables: Think super juicy cherry tomatoes, very tender, sweet bell peppers, and savory red onions.
• Feta cheese: Adding that just-right salty kick with crumbled feta.
• Kalamata olives: Adding in the needed brininess.
• Fresh herbs: A handful of fresh parsley, a sprig of mint, or oregano adds just that extra oomph.

Dressing: Just a light lemon vinaigrette with some olive oil and a bit of honey does the magic.

Tips: You can totally use fresh cucumbers and zucchini instead of the roasted veggies or even add some chickpeas for added protein!

Pro-tip: Roasting the veggies brings out the natural sweetness and makes them extra flavorful.

This salad is perfect either for a light lunch or as a side dish to any dinner party. I swear, it's always a hit!

Quinoa Salad #2: Spicy Black Bean Fiesta

Need a salad that's full of flavor and a little bit of heat? Look no more.

Here are the cast of characters:

• Quinoa: Cooked and cooled-the usual.  
• Black beans: A powerhouse of protein and fiber.  
• Corn: Fresh or frozen works beautifully.
• Red onion: for a bit of sharpness
• Avocado: well, because creamy avocado just makes everything better
• Cilantro: fresh, bright flavor
• Lime juice: one quick squeeze adds such a fun twist. Sriracha/hot sauce adds that little kick: I put it in to give it a kick of fire.

This salad is definitely a crowd-pleaser; if you are one of those people that loves something with just a little bit of kick, well, then this is the salad for you!

Quinoa Salad #3: Sweet and Savory Asian Fusion

Get a little bit exotic.

This salad is just an explosion of flavors:

• Quinoa: The base of this salad.
• Mango: The sweetness and tropical flair.
• Edamame: For the nutty, salty taste.
• Red bell pepper adds a bright and vibrant color and some great crunch to the salad.
• Ginger brings you that little zing.
• Sesame seeds bring nutty flavor and a great crunch.

Dressing: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey combine together in a sweet-savory sauce that goes amazingly with the salad.

Add in some nutty, creamy flavor with peanut butter to your dressing.

This salad is just so beautiful and delicious, a real powerhouse of a melding of Asian-inspired flavors. And perfect for meal prep!

Quinoa Salad #4: The Creamy Dream

Everything about this salad screams creamy goodness.

• Quinoa: Of course!
• Chickpeas: For protein and a hearty texture.
• Sundried tomatoes: A burst of sweetness and umami.
• Spinach: For that leafy green goodness. Fresh herbs: parsley or dill-what's not to be fresh about? * Creamy dressing: Tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil come together in perfect harmony, making this dressing creamy enough to coat everything just about perfectly. This salad is great for a quick lunch or a light dinner. It's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Quinoa Salad #5: The Powerhouse

This is a protein- and nutrient-packed salad that's guaranteed to keep you going with your active lifestyle.

Here's what you will need:

• Quinoa:  The star of the show! 
• Chopped vegetables:  Really get creative here—try broccoli florets, bell peppers, carrots, or cucumber. 
• Roasted chickpeas:  For a crunchy and satisfying texture. The pumpkin seeds add a nutty flavor, with a dose of healthy fats. * Fresh herbs: A sprig of fresh cilantro or parsley adds brightness to the dish.

Dressing: Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a delicious dressing that brings all the flavors together.

This is one of those salads that's just perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!

Quinoa Salad Verdict

I hope that by this point, you are ready to get your quinoa salad on! These recipes are but a starting point because you can go ahead and experiment with different ingredients in order to come up with signature salads. Honestly, the options are endless. So pick out your favorite ingredients, get creative, and most importantly, enjoy!

What's your favorite quinoa salad recipe? Share below in the comments!

I'm always looking for new ideas!