This Quinoa Vegetable Salad is a healthy, flavorful salad filled with vibrant vegetables and fresh herbs. It is easy to put together and perfect for summer picnics, weekend barbecues, or a nutritious side dish to any meal!

The salad is ready in 30 minutes, or even quicker if your quinoa is already cooked. It is tossed in a simple lime and olive oil dressing that brightens the salad and enhances the taste. It is completely gluten-free and can be made vegan by leaving out on the crumbled cheese or using your favorite vegan cheese!

a mix of cooked quinoa asparagus cucumber red pepper radishes cilantro and goat cheese in a large bowl with one wooden spoons in the bowl
Quinoa is a gluten-free seed that can easily replace rice, pasta, and other grains. It is filled with TONS of protein, essential amino acids, fiber, and good carbohydrates. It can be used in so many different ways. We like to use it as a base in our Beet Quinoa Burger or as a protein-rich addition to salads, like this Nutritious Superfood Salad.

You’ll Love This Quinoa Salad Because It’s:

  • Super quick and easy to make
  • Nutritious, filling, and delicious
  • Easy to make ahead- prep all the ingredients and put them together when you’re ready!
  • Easily customizable- add your favorite protein or add even more vegetables if you like
Ingredients to make Quinoa Vegetable Salad: cucumbers, peppers, radish, feta cheese, cooked quinoa, lime

Ingredients You Will Need:

  • 1 cup Quinoa + 2 cups Water or Vegetable Broth (to cook the quinoa in)
  • 1 Red Pepper
  • 2 Persian Cucumbers
  • 1/2 lb Asparagus, lightly sauteed
  • 5 Radish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped + more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup Crumbled Goat Cheese (optional) or your favorite vegan cheese (like Violife Feta Cheese)

Simple Lime Salad Dressing

  • 1 Lime, juiced
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
cooked quinoa asparagus cucumber red pepper radishes cilantro and goat cheese in a large bowl with a half lime in the top left corner

How To Make Quinoa Vegetable Salad

  1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Quinoa cooks similarly to rice and is typically a 1:2 ratio, meaning 1 cup of quinoa needs 2 cups of water to cook.
  2. While the quinoa is cooking, slice your veggies into bite-sized pieces. You can cook the vegetables if you choose, or leave them raw.
  3. Once the quinoa is done, add the quinoa to a large bowl and mix in the vegetables and cheese. Top with fresh squeezed lime and avocado.
  4. You can enjoy this salad warm or cold!
a mix of cooked quinoa asparagus cucumber red pepper radishes cilantro and goat cheese in a large bowl with two wooden spoons in the bowl

Tips and Ways To Customize This Salad

  • Serve The Salad Cold: This quinoa vegetable salad is best served cold. Prepare the quinoa and allow it to cool completely first before assembling the salad.
  • Prep The Ingredients Ahead: You can make the quinoa ahead of time and slice the vegetables too. Store the ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the salad. You can make the quinoa up to 3 days in advance and slice the vegetables up to 1-2 days in advance.
  • Storage: This quinoa salad will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Make It Vegan: Without the addition of cheese, the salad is naturally vegan.

Adding Protein To Your Salad

If you want a more filling meal packed with even more protein, here are a few options:

Quinoa Vegetable Salad in a large white bowl with two wooden spoons in the bowl
We hope you enjoy the recipe! If you try it, don’t forget to rate the recipe, and let us know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram! We love hearing from you!

More Salad Recipes

Quinoa Vegetable Salad

This Quinoa Vegetable Salad is like your favorite pasta salad, but with a twist! It is ten times better than your typical salad, way better than pasta salad, and filled with tons of vibrant vegetables! It also is completely gluten-free and vegetarian!
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy Options, Vegan
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 228kcal
Author: Capri Lilly

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Quinoa
  • 2 cups Water or Vegetable Broth
  • 1 Red Pepper, sliced
  • 2 Persian Cucumbers, sliced
  • 1/2 lb Asparagus, largely chopped
  • 5 Radish, sliced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Crumbled Goat Cheese (optional)
  • 1 Lime, juiced
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a medium pot, add quinoa and 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth) and a pinch of salt. Bring the liquid to a boil. Once a boil is reached, cover and reduce the heat to a simmer until the liquid is fully abosrbed (approximately 15 to 20 minutes). Remove the quinoa from the heat, allow it to cool down (about 5 minutes), and then fluff the quinoa with a fork.
  • While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Cut the radish, cucumber, and peppers into small slices. Chop the asparagus into medium to large bite-size pieces (about 2" to 3" pieces)
  • In a pan over medium heat, lightly saute the asparagus for 2-3 minutes.
  • Transfer all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix the ingredients together.
  • Top the salad with lime and avocado and toss one final time.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Tips + Variations
  • Serve The Salad Cold: This quinoa vegetable salad is best served cold. Prepare the quinoa and allow it to cool completely first before assembling the salad.
  • Prep The Ingredients Ahead: You can make the quinoa ahead of time and slice the vegetables too. Store the ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the salad. You can make the quinoa up to 3 days in advance and slice the vegetables up to 1-2 days in advance.
  • Storage: This quinoa salad will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Make It Vegan: Without the addition of cheese, the salad is naturally vegan

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 228kcal

Similar Posts

13 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I absolutely love the addition of all those vegetables! So perfect for pairing with the quinoa and those wonderful flavors.

  2. 5 stars
    You are absolutely right: the quinoa vegetable salad is much better than any pasta salad. I love the quinoa texture, taste, and look in meals. Bookmarking for later.

5 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating