vibrant quinoa salad with roasted cauliflower and tahini dressing

Quinoa salad

quinoa salad with roasted cauliflower and tahini

By Eleanor Rose

Published: 18 Feb 2025

This recipe is my go-to for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful lunch or dinner. It's packed with protein and fiber from the quinoa, satisfyingly crunchy roasted cauliflower, and a creamy, tangy tahini dressing. I developed this recipe after a disastrous attempt at a kale salad which resulted in me accidentally throwing half of it in the compost. This is way better.
Close up shot of a bowl of quinoa salad with roasted cauliflower and a drizzle of tahini dressing.
I love this salad because it’s so versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or even some toasted nuts or seeds. One time, my friend Sarah added crumbled feta, and let me tell you, it was a revelation! But don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Maybe you are an avocado enthusiast? Throw in some avocado slices!
A person enjoying a bowl of quinoa salad outdoors.

Required Equipments

  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Roasting pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Quinoa-Salad-with-Roasted-Cauliflower-and-Tahini

A vibrant and flavorful quinoa salad featuring roasted cauliflower and a creamy tahini dressing. Quick, easy, and perfect for any meal!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn! If you like things crispy, roast a bit longer. If you prefer softer cauli, take them out earlier.
  2. While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the quinoa. Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. This is important to get rid of that soapy taste. Cook the quinoa according to package directions, usually about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork once it's done. Let it cool slightly.
  3. Meanwhile, let's make that awesome tahini dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon water (add more if needed to reach desired consistency), 1 clove minced garlic (or more, if you're a garlic fiend!), a pinch of salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If it's too thick, add a tiny bit more water, one teaspoon at a time.
  4. Once the quinoa and cauliflower have cooled down, combine them in a large bowl. Add the chopped fresh herbs (I love parsley and mint, but dill works wonderfully too!). Gently toss to combine.
  5. Pour the tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently again. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to coat everything nicely, but not turn it into a mush.
  6. Serve immediately or chill for later. This tastes great both ways, really. Seriously, try it both ways and tell me which you prefer!

📝 Notes

  • Make sure to rinse the quinoa before cooking.
  • Taste and adjust the tahini dressing to your preference.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables or toppings as desired!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal

Protein: 15g

Fat: 18g

Carbohydrates: 60g

Fiber: 10g

Calcium: 30 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The joy of cooking is finding magic in simple ingredients.

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