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You are here: Home / Healthy Recipes / Meals & Sides / Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad (gluten-free, vegan)

Last Updated on Dec 15th, 2020 fitasamamabear

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.

Pinterest image with text: veggie quinoa salad in a white bowl with peppers behind it

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 In The Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad

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

 

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.

Pinterest image with text: collage of healthy, real food dinner recipes

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

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Pinterest image with text: veggie quinoa salad in a white bowl with peppers behind it

Ingredients In The Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad

  • 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

  • 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 5 tablespoons bold or dijon mustard

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Silicone spatula
  • Knives
  • Measuring spoons

This healthy quinoa salad is filled with grilled vegetables and plant based protein. It`s gluten free, simple and light.

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.

This healthy quinoa salad is filled with grilled vegetables and plant based protein. It`s gluten free, simple and light.

Grill the veggies on the bbq for 8-10 minutes or until just cooked.

This healthy quinoa salad is filled with grilled vegetables and plant based protein. It`s gluten free, simple and light.

Let the veggies cool then cut into bite-size pieces but leave tomatoes intact.

Mix the veggies into the quinoa.

This healthy quinoa salad is filled with grilled vegetables and plant based protein. It`s gluten free, simple and light.

Whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad. Toss until fully combined.

Homemade balsamic dressing in a measuring cup with a mini whisk

Chill in the fridge for at least one hour or until ready to serve.

Homemade balsamic dressing bring poured over a quinoa salad with vegetables

Serves 4-5

Don’t forget to pin this grilled vegetable quinoa salad!

Pinterest image with text: veggie quinoa salad in a white bowl with peppers behind it

 

Grab your printable!

Quinoa salad with grilled vegetables in a white bowl
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Vegan Grilled Veggie Quinoa Salad

A healthy, summertime salad recipe perfect for a light lunch or a barbeque. Dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan this quinoa salad is simple to whip up.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 447 kcal
Author Fit as a Mama Bear

Ingredients

  • 2 cups quinoa cooked and cooled
  • 1 yellow pepper
  • 1 red pepper
  • 14 asparagus
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Dressing Ingredients
  • 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 5 tablespoons mustard dijon or bold

Instructions

  1. Cut the peppers into quarters and prep the asparagus. In a large bowl combine veggies.
  2. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar and salt and pepper.
  3. Pour over veggies.
  4. Grill the veggies on the bbq for 8-10 minutes or until just cooked.
  5. ;let the veggies cool then cut into bite size pieces but leave tomatoes intact.
  6. Mix the veggies into the quinoa.
  7. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad. Toss until fully combined.
  8. Chill in the fridge at least one hour or until  ready to serve.

Recipe Notes

This quinoa salad recipe makes four large servings or five smaller ones. It says to be chilled but a fun secret is that it's actually really great warm too!

Nutrition Facts
Vegan Grilled Veggie Quinoa Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 447 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Sodium 292mg13%
Potassium 847mg24%
Carbohydrates 67g22%
Fiber 9g38%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 15g30%
Vitamin A 1626IU33%
Vitamin C 104mg126%
Calcium 77mg8%
Iron 6mg33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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.

Related Posts:

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    Candied Pecan Spinach Salad
  • Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe - DF/GF
    Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe - DF/GF
Last updated on 12/15/2020

Filed Under: Healthy Recipes, Meals & Sides Tagged With: main meal, quinoa, salad, vegetables

Comments

  1. Oh to Be a Muse says

    09/18/2017 at 4:32 pm

    This colorful veggie quinoa salad is really the type of food that I should be eating. Looks very healthy!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/18/2017 at 10:21 pm

      Haha I love color in my food! Makes it look so much better and super yummy!

      Reply
  2. Melanie says

    09/18/2017 at 4:35 pm

    This looks so good and easy to make!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/18/2017 at 10:21 pm

      Simplicity is key for me lol

      Reply
  3. Erin says

    09/18/2017 at 4:38 pm

    This looks delicious and your photography is beautiful! can’t wait to give it a try. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/18/2017 at 10:21 pm

      Thanks so much for the photography compliment! I’ve been working hard on it 🙂

      Reply
  4. Patricia says

    09/18/2017 at 4:38 pm

    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. 🙂

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/18/2017 at 10:20 pm

      I hope you enjoy it Patricia! It’s so versatile it goes with everything 🙂

      Reply
  5. Sara says

    09/19/2017 at 1:54 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/19/2017 at 5:01 pm

      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!

      Reply
  6. Christina | From Under a Palm Tree says

    09/19/2017 at 2:28 pm

    The recipe looks so yummy! I love quinoa, it’s a great food and it’s so versitile. This post is making me hungry!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/19/2017 at 5:01 pm

      Right?! Quinoa can be made into anything. I love it.

      Reply
  7. Ginger Smith says

    09/19/2017 at 4:07 pm

    This sounds so yummy! I’ll have to try it out this weekend!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/19/2017 at 4:52 pm

      The simple ones are the best ones! I hope you enjoy it 🙂

      Reply
  8. Margaret Stuart says

    09/19/2017 at 4:56 pm

    This looks so yummy! I love quinoa too. I will definitely be saving this to make sometime in the near future!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/20/2017 at 1:41 am

      Let me know how you like it!

      Reply
  9. Megan | Mama on Main Street says

    09/20/2017 at 12:36 am

    Wow!! This looks absolutely AMAZING! I’m drooling over the dressing. Adding it to my list of things to make next week!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/20/2017 at 1:40 am

      Haha it’s definitely a tasty one- I’m a sucker for grilled veggies

      Reply
  10. Lauren says

    09/20/2017 at 3:58 am

    This would be great to bring to a tailgate party!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/20/2017 at 6:17 pm

      Yes! Hrm.. that actually sounds like fun. I need warmer weather again!

      Reply
  11. Gillian Kent says

    09/20/2017 at 5:12 am

    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.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/20/2017 at 6:17 pm

      Haha I think everyone goes through phases with food. I get addicted to it because it can be used with so much!

      Reply
  12. Cait Weingartner says

    09/20/2017 at 9:16 am

    This looks so fresh and delicious! I’m always looking for ways to add quinoa to my diet, so this recipe is most welcome.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/20/2017 at 6:16 pm

      Quinoa is so versatile I love it! Enjoy 🙂

      Reply
  13. Angie says

    09/21/2017 at 2:09 am

    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!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/21/2017 at 11:44 pm

      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!

      Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/21/2017 at 11:44 pm

      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!

      Reply
  14. Jem says

    09/21/2017 at 5:15 pm

    This looks delicious and healthy!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/21/2017 at 11:57 pm

      Thanks! It’s a tasty one 🙂

      Reply
  15. Ophelia Tang says

    09/25/2017 at 2:31 am

    I love quinoa and this looks so healthy and delicious. I want to make this for lunch asap. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear says

      09/25/2017 at 8:44 pm

      It’s tasty and light- we love it! I hope you enjoy it 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Spicy Quinoa Stuffed Peppers - Fit as a Mama Bear says:
    06/14/2018 at 12:35 am

    […] of my favorite grains because it contains so many nutrients (check out this awesome quinoa salad here)! And these vegan, spicy, quinoa stuffed peppers are the perfect way to boost your nutrients and […]

    Reply
  2. Homemade & Healthy Tomato Soup- Dairy Free - Fit as a Mama Bear says:
    10/31/2018 at 5:07 pm

    […] deny the deliciousness of grilled cheese, this tasty soup is a summertime favorite (like this grilled veggie quinoa salad) in our […]

    Reply
  3. Creamy Curried Cranberry Coleslaw - Fit as a Mama Bear says:
    03/13/2019 at 5:31 pm

    […] for more great salad ideas? Check out this Grilled Vegetable & Quinoa Salad or Healthy Cobb […]

    Reply
  4. Beans and Rice :: over 100 delicious gluten-free recipes! says:
    04/02/2020 at 9:45 pm

    […] Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad – A simple salad recipe from Fit As A Mama Bear, this quinoa salad contains only seven ingredients and is dressed with a mustard 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. […]

    Reply

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About Me

Hey There! I’m Shelby, a Certified Strength Coach (CSCS) and certified nutrition coach (PN) in everyday life as well as mama to two beautiful girls! I’m a chronic foodie, workout junkie and feeder of stray cats. I love heavy lifting but am a firm believer that as a mama you’ve got to do whatever the hell that works FOR YOU and I’m here to give you a few ideas. I believe food is fuel but indulgences are a must because well, as you’ll see… I’m a chocolate fiend!

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DISCLAIMERS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The content on Fit as a Mama Bear is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No products mentioned are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.