Packed with colorful veggies, loaded with plant-based protein, and tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing this dairy-free quinoa salad is a hit for any occasion! Whether you're looking for a light gluten-free lunch or an easy side dish, this quinoa salad is a perfect choice (and an easy meal prep recipe!).
“Wow!! This looks absolutely AMAZING! I'm drooling over the dressing. Adding it to my list of things to make next week!” - Megan | Mama on Main Street
One of the best things about this dairy-free quinoa salad is that it makes for the BEST meal prep recipe!
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, this is my go-to summer salad because if you cook the quinoa ahead of time, it whips up quickly and is great to bring to a BBQ (paired with something like a vegan fruit tart) or use as an easy lunch.
The balsamic vinaigrette dressing lights up your taste buds, and the dish as a whole gives you some *always needed* energy.
Why You'll Love It
Allergy-friendly: This quinoa salad with vegetables recipe is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
Easy to make: There's really only three steps to whip up this salad, and the hardest part is waiting for it to set.
Versatile: The salad pairs with anything (especially delicious with these crispy baked chicken wings!)
Ingredients You'll Need
Cooked quinoa: Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and one of the only plant-based foods that is a complete protein! For faster meal prep, have cooked quinoa in he fridge.
Veggies: You can use anything you have in the fridge, but you want to make sure they grill well. Personally, we use cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and bell peppers as they add great texture but cook easily enough.
Dressing: The dressing for the quinoa salad is a mix of tangy balsamic vinegar, avocado oil, and honey mustard to give a punch of flavor. Adjust the dressing to suit your personal flavor preferences.
How To Make It
Step 1: Whisk together the oil, salt, and pepper, and toss the cut veggies with it.
Step 2: Grill the vegetables for 8-10 minutes until just cooked. Let them cool, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Step 4: Toss together the quinoa, vegetables, and dairy-free dressing. Chill in the fridge for 4 hours.
Protein Options
Quinoa is a wonderful source of plant-based protein and delicious in this side dish as well as something like quinoa upma. Thus, nothing really needs to be added. However, depending on your goals, it's easy to add:
- grilled chicken
- hemp hearts
- air fryer steak bites
- topping it with keto air fryer chicken tenders (or having them on the side!)
Expert Tips
This dairy-free quinoa salad whips up quickly if the quinoa is made and ready in the fridge. Basically, cooked quinoa makes whipping up this side dish ultra-simple. If you don't have cooked quinoa, you'll need to chill it after it cooks before adding the remaining ingredients.
Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so that there are lots of them throughout the whole salad.
The quinoa salad with vegetables needs to chill for at least 2 hours in the fridge for the flavors to set, but overnight is best.
Store leftover quinoa salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a stir before serving it again.
Hack: If you have leftovers, it tastes really delicious in a wrap the next day!
Other Quinoa Recipes You'll Love
- Quinoa chickpea salad
- Italian quinoa wrap
- Savory quinoa breakfast bowl
- Thai quinoa stir fry
- Spicy quinoa stuffed peppers
Frequently Asked Questions About Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an air tight container.
Quinoa tends to absorb whatever flavor it is paired with. So, make sure to use bold flavors so that it doesn't taste bland.
Dinner doesn’t have to be chaotic—this eBook gives you 20+ protein-packed meals ready in 30 minutes or less (even when the day’s already gone sideways)
Dairy-Free Quinoa Salad With Vegetables
Video
Equipment
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
- Cook quinoa according to package directions if you haven't done so already. Pop into the fridge.
- 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 it over the vegetables.
- 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 quinoa salad. Toss until fully combined.
- Chill the quinoa salad the fridge at least one four hours or until ready to serve.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Ophelia Tang says
I love quinoa and this looks so healthy and delicious. I want to make this for lunch asap. Thanks for sharing.
fitasamamabear says
It's tasty and light- we love it! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Jem says
This looks delicious and healthy!
fitasamamabear says
Thanks! It's a tasty one 🙂
Angie says
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 says
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 says
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!
Cait Weingartner says
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 says
Quinoa is so versatile I love it! Enjoy 🙂
Gillian Kent says
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 says
Haha I think everyone goes through phases with food. I get addicted to it because it can be used with so much!
Lauren says
This would be great to bring to a tailgate party!
fitasamamabear says
Yes! Hrm.. that actually sounds like fun. I need warmer weather again!
Megan | Mama on Main Street says
Wow!! This looks absolutely AMAZING! I'm drooling over the dressing. Adding it to my list of things to make next week!
fitasamamabear says
Haha it's definitely a tasty one- I'm a sucker for grilled veggies
Margaret Stuart says
This looks so yummy! I love quinoa too. I will definitely be saving this to make sometime in the near future!
fitasamamabear says
Let me know how you like it!
Ginger Smith says
This sounds so yummy! I'll have to try it out this weekend!
fitasamamabear says
The simple ones are the best ones! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Christina | From Under a Palm Tree says
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 says
Right?! Quinoa can be made into anything. I love it.
Sara says
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 says
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!
Patricia says
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 says
I hope you enjoy it Patricia! It's so versatile it goes with everything 🙂
Erin says
This looks delicious and your photography is beautiful! can't wait to give it a try. Thanks so much for sharing!
fitasamamabear says
Thanks so much for the photography compliment! I've been working hard on it 🙂
Melanie says
This looks so good and easy to make!
fitasamamabear says
Simplicity is key for me lol
Oh to Be a Muse says
This colorful veggie quinoa salad is really the type of food that I should be eating. Looks very healthy!
fitasamamabear says
Haha I love color in my food! Makes it look so much better and super yummy!