Asian Quinoa Salad Recipe Veggie Society Healthy Twist

Looking for a vibrant, nutritious, and delicious salad that perfectly blends the wholesome goodness of quinoa with the bold flavors of Asian cuisine? This Asian Quinoa Salad recipe from Veggie Society is exactly what you need!

Packed with fresh veggies, crunchy nuts, and a tangy, savory dressing, it’s an ideal dish for lunch, dinner, or even as a side for your favorite Asian-inspired meals. Whether you’re a seasoned quinoa fan or just getting started with this ancient grain, this salad will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

This salad is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for anyone looking to eat clean and delicious.

Plus, it comes together easily with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Ready to dive into a bowl of fresh, satisfying, and healthy goodness?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Asian Quinoa Salad is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The nutty quinoa pairs beautifully with crisp vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas, while a zesty sesame-ginger dressing ties everything together with a punch of umami.

It’s incredibly versatile — serve it as a light lunch, a side dish for your dinner, or even pack it for a picnic or work lunch. It’s also loaded with plant-based protein and fiber, making it a filling and wholesome option for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Plus, it’s easy to customize! You can swap in your favorite veggies or add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.

And because it’s served cold or at room temperature, it’s perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth for cooking quinoa
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snap peas, sliced
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts or cashews
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• For the dressing:
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork for mixing dressing
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large spoon or spatula
• Salad serving bowl

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
2. Fluff and cool: Remove the quinoa from heat and fluff it with a fork. Transfer to a large bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the vegetables: While the quinoa cools, shred the red cabbage, julienne the carrots, thinly slice the bell pepper and snap peas, chop the green onions, and cilantro.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Combine salad: Add the prepared vegetables to the cooled quinoa. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well combined.
6. Add crunch: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts and toasted sesame seeds over the salad and gently toss again.
7. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more soy sauce or lime juice if needed.
8. Serve: You can serve the salad immediately or chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To save time, cook quinoa in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for quick meal prep salads like this one.

If you want to add some extra protein, toss in some baked tofu cubes or steamed edamame. For a gluten-free version, ensure your soy sauce or tamari is certified gluten-free.

You can also swap peanuts for almonds or cashews depending on your preference or allergies.

Feeling adventurous? Add a handful of shredded fresh mint or basil for an extra layer of freshness.

For a bit of sweetness and texture, toss in some diced mango or pineapple.

To make this salad more filling for colder days, mix in some roasted sweet potatoes or steamed broccoli.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Asian Quinoa Salad shines on its own as a light and refreshing meal, especially during warm weather. However, it also pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired dishes like vegetable stir-fries or steamed dumplings.

For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some crispy spring rolls or a bowl of miso soup. It’s also perfect as a side for grilled tofu or tempeh skewers.

If you’re looking for more delicious salad ideas, check out our Best Vegan Salad Bowl Recipes for Fresh Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

This Asian Quinoa Salad from Veggie Society is a delightful, nourishing, and easy-to-make dish that brings together the best of both worlds—ancient grains and vibrant Asian flavors. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a quick, wholesome meal without compromising on taste or nutrition.

With a little prep and simple ingredients, you can have a refreshing salad that’s both satisfying and packed with essential nutrients.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a new recipe to impress your family and friends, this salad ticks all the boxes. Don’t forget to experiment with different veggies and nuts to make it your own!

For more wholesome grain-based recipes, be sure to explore our collection of Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and the A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.

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