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Home » 400 Calorie Recipes » Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad (gluten-free, vegan)

Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad (gluten-free, vegan)

09/16/2017 by fitasamamabear

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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.

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

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. Plus, you can pair it with these crispy baked chicken wings for a more complete meal and added protein hit!

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.

As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I likt that 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
  • topping it with keto air fryer chicken tenders (or having them on the side!)

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.

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.

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

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

  • 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

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

Vegan Grilled Veggie Quinoa Salad

Fit as a Mama Bear
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.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 447 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl

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
  • ⅛ cup olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 5 tablespoons mustard dijon or bold

Instructions
 

  • 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 at least one hour or until  ready to serve.

Video

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

Calories: 447kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 15gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 292mgPotassium: 847mgFiber: 9gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1626IUVitamin C: 104mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 6mg
Keyword healthy quinoa salad, quinoa and vegetable salad, quinoa,
Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

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.

Shelby aka Mama Bear

fitasamamabear

Meet Shelby - a Certified Strength And Conditioning Specialist, Certified Nutrition Coach. As a mom of three young girls and coach for the past ten years, Shelby now strives to make fitness and healthy living practical for busy moms. By sharing her knowledge and the resources on her website, Shelby helps busy moms get fit, happy, and healthy.

See author's posts

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Oh to Be a Muse

    September 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

      September 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

    September 18, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    This looks so good and easy to make!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      September 18, 2017 at 10:21 pm

      Simplicity is key for me lol

      Reply
  3. Erin

    September 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

      September 18, 2017 at 10:21 pm

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

      Reply
  4. Patricia

    September 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

      September 18, 2017 at 10:20 pm

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

      Reply
  5. Sara

    September 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

      September 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

    September 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

      September 19, 2017 at 5:01 pm

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

      Reply
  7. Ginger Smith

    September 19, 2017 at 4:07 pm

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

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      September 19, 2017 at 4:52 pm

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

      Reply
  8. Margaret Stuart

    September 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

      September 20, 2017 at 1:41 am

      Let me know how you like it!

      Reply
  9. Megan | Mama on Main Street

    September 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

      September 20, 2017 at 1:40 am

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

      Reply
  10. Lauren

    September 20, 2017 at 3:58 am

    This would be great to bring to a tailgate party!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      September 20, 2017 at 6:17 pm

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

      Reply
  11. Gillian Kent

    September 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

      September 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

    September 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

      September 20, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      Quinoa is so versatile I love it! Enjoy 🙂

      Reply
  13. Angie

    September 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

      September 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

      September 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

    September 21, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    This looks delicious and healthy!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      September 21, 2017 at 11:57 pm

      Thanks! It's a tasty one 🙂

      Reply
  15. Ophelia Tang

    September 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

      September 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

About Me

Hey-I’m Shelby! a Certified Strength Coach (CSCS), nutrition coach (PN) and mama to three beautiful girls.

I’m also a lazy foodie, workout lover and feeder of stray cats. It’s my mission to make everyday fitness and healthy living PRACTICAL for busy moms.

Fitasamamabear is where you’ll find the tools you’ll need for health and wellness. At-home workouts, healthy, allergy-friendly recipes and tips from a seasoned mama on how to make it all work.

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