Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad (gluten-free, vegan)
A simple salad recipe, this grilled vegetable quinoa salad contains only seven ingredients and is dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. It makes a tasty and quick dinner recipe on a warm night or a simple, light lunch the next day. Loaded with veggies, color, and plant-based protein.
Some days I don't feel like cooking. And on those days, my solution is always to grill or roast veggies and make some sort of concoction. Thus, this grilled vegetable quinoa salad came out of those days.
It's super simple (grill veggies + cook quinoa) and makes a light lunch or dinner.
Don't want to read? JUMP to the recipe!
Why Quinoa?
Quinoa has been called a superfood for a few years now even though others have taken the spotlight. The reason that it became so popular is that it's a seed that gives the illusion of being a carb. Moreover, being that it's gluten-free made it a huge win with an allergy-friendly community.
Quinoa is also one of the only non-animal foods that is a complete protein. Meaning, it contains good amounts of all essential amino acids. However, it is also higher on the carbohydrate scale.
Conversely, I find that while the nutritional breakdown is higher in carbs, quinoa doesn't leave me feeling heavy or bloated after eating. it's light, fluffy, and takes on whatever flavor it's paired with.
- Quinoa is also high in fiber (almost twist as much as other grains)
- Contains iron
- Rich in magnesium
Protein Options
Quinoa is a wonderful source of plant-based protein. Thus, nothing really needs to be added. However, depending on your goals it's easy to add:
- grilled chicken
- hemp hearts
- sesame tofu
When To Make It
This vegetable quinoa salad recipe is really simple to whip up. Likewise, the best part is that it tastes delicious warm or cold! Indeed, if you have the time, cook everything, mix it together and let it chill in the fridge for a few hours.
However, it is also delicious warm. There's just something about grilled veggies I absolutely love. We use this quinoa salad for:
- Lunch - it's easy to whip up a big batch and portion out some lunches for the week
- A quick dinner just the two of us
- Barbeques - I rarely have salad options at gatherings so this one is a great option to bring along for everyone (like these spicy deviled eggs)
Need Some Real-Food Dinner Ideas?
If you’re looking for even easier, healthy dinner recipes, check out The Busy Moms E-Cookbook,- simple dinners for busy moms where I’ve gathered 30 healthy dinner recipes that can be made in thirty minutes or less.
From easy vegan tacos to beef and quinoa chili, simple chicken pasta to a bok choy and mushroom bowl. These dinner recipes share a few things in common:
- They are healthy and simple to make
- All of the recipes are dairy-free or could easily be made dairy-free
- The majority of the recipes are gluten-free
- All of the recipes are real-food based and focus on nutrients not fillers
- They’re all tasty!
To make dinner-time even LESS stressful, I’ve also included several bonus tips on food prep, pantry staples and how to make healthy eating simple. Grab your copy of The Busy Mom’s E-Cookbook
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
- 1 yellow pepper
- 1 red pepper
- 14 spears asparagus
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- ⅛ cup olive oil
- 5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 5 tablespoons bold or dijon mustard
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
How To Make The Salad
Cut the peppers into quarters and prep the asparagus. In a large bowl combine veggies.
Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar and salt, and pepper.
Pour over veggies.
Grill the veggies on the bbq for 8-10 minutes or until just cooked.
Let the veggies cool then cut into bite-size pieces but leave tomatoes intact.
Mix the veggies into the quinoa.
Whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad. Toss until fully combined.
Chill in the fridge for at least one hour or until ready to serve.
Serves 4-5
Don't forget to pin this grilled vegetable quinoa salad!
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Vegan Grilled Veggie Quinoa Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
This vegan salad is light, refreshing, and simple to make. Similarly, it has a great nutrient boost and the grilled vegetables give it a great flavor. Use this quinoa salad as a side dish for a barbeque or just to munch on for lunch. It's gluten-free, easy, and delicious.
Oh to Be a Muse
This colorful veggie quinoa salad is really the type of food that I should be eating. Looks very healthy!
fitasamamabear
Haha I love color in my food! Makes it look so much better and super yummy!
Melanie
This looks so good and easy to make!
fitasamamabear
Simplicity is key for me lol
Erin
This looks delicious and your photography is beautiful! can't wait to give it a try. Thanks so much for sharing!
fitasamamabear
Thanks so much for the photography compliment! I've been working hard on it 🙂
Patricia
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I did not know Quinoa was a super food. I may be on the look out for some, as they do fortunately sell quinoa in my store. 🙂
fitasamamabear
I hope you enjoy it Patricia! It's so versatile it goes with everything 🙂
Sara
I adore quinoa! I had gestational diabetes with my pregnancy and got to enjoy quinoa a ton! I have made this combination before but haven't grilled the veggies or made that dressing! I know what we'll be having this weekend! Thanks for sharing!
fitasamamabear
Hope you enjoy it! I'm a sucker for quinoa too it just goes with everything. I also love grilled veggies because they get so tasty!
Christina | From Under a Palm Tree
The recipe looks so yummy! I love quinoa, it's a great food and it's so versitile. This post is making me hungry!
fitasamamabear
Right?! Quinoa can be made into anything. I love it.
Ginger Smith
This sounds so yummy! I'll have to try it out this weekend!
fitasamamabear
The simple ones are the best ones! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Margaret Stuart
This looks so yummy! I love quinoa too. I will definitely be saving this to make sometime in the near future!
fitasamamabear
Let me know how you like it!
Megan | Mama on Main Street
Wow!! This looks absolutely AMAZING! I'm drooling over the dressing. Adding it to my list of things to make next week!
fitasamamabear
Haha it's definitely a tasty one- I'm a sucker for grilled veggies
Lauren
This would be great to bring to a tailgate party!
fitasamamabear
Yes! Hrm.. that actually sounds like fun. I need warmer weather again!
Gillian Kent
This looks delicious. I have a feast or famine relationship with quinoa. I love it for a while then suddenly can't stand it. Looks like it's time to give it another go 'round.
fitasamamabear
Haha I think everyone goes through phases with food. I get addicted to it because it can be used with so much!
Cait Weingartner
This looks so fresh and delicious! I'm always looking for ways to add quinoa to my diet, so this recipe is most welcome.
fitasamamabear
Quinoa is so versatile I love it! Enjoy 🙂
Angie
A lot of my friends love Quinoa, but I've never tried. I may have to give this salad a try and make it one afternoon!
fitasamamabear
Quinoa is awesome because it takes on whatever flavor you pair it with- and it's light and fluffy! I hope you enjoy it- let me know!
fitasamamabear
Quinoa is awesome because it takes on whatever flavor you pair it with- and it's light and fluffy! I hope you enjoy it- let me know!
Jem
This looks delicious and healthy!
fitasamamabear
Thanks! It's a tasty one 🙂
Ophelia Tang
I love quinoa and this looks so healthy and delicious. I want to make this for lunch asap. Thanks for sharing.
fitasamamabear
It's tasty and light- we love it! I hope you enjoy it 🙂