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Home Salads - main course

My Favourite Quinoa Salad

By:Nagi
Published:3 Mar '21Updated:11 Oct '22
162 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

If the thought of a Quinoa Salad doesn’t exactly rock your world, you and I will probably be friends. But being fully aware of the nutritional benefits of quinoa, I decided it was high time to grow up and start getting excited about it. Enter: My Favourite Quinoa Salad!

This is a reader-favourite recipe included by popular demand in my debut cookbook “Dinner”!

Side shot of Quinoa Salad in a bowl, ready to be served

Quinoa Salad

I’m not going to lie to you. Put me in front of a salad bar, and you won’t see me pause for a beat in front of any option containing quinoa.

It’s not that I dislike quinoa as such. In fact, when cooked well (psst, toasting it certainly elevates it to loftier heights!), I’ll happily scoff it down plain, just like I do rice.

I think it’s more how it’s heralded so staunchly by “healthy” foodies, who insist it’s a superior alternative to rice and other grains we love that makes me – somewhat childishly! – want to not follow the trend.

Anyway, I finally grew up. So I’m here today with my favourite Quinoa Salad. I have eaten a LOT of quinoa salad in the past year, in a bid to get on board the quinoa train. And this is The One! Call it a “fusion” salad, call it a “mash-up” if you like. Whatever you call it, this Asian-inflected salad has it all going on!

Overhead photo of 3 bowls filled with Quinoa Salad
Close up of wooden spoons scooping up Quinoa Salad

What goes in Quinoa Salad

Here’s what you need for the Quinoa Salad:

Ingredients in My Favourite Quinoa Salad
  • Quinoa – I’ve used tri-colour quinoa here just for added extra interest, you can just use one type if you wish. Tri-colour quinoa is simply a mix of red, black and white quinoas. Both black and red quinoa have slightly more flavour than white quinoa;

  • Vegetables – No newcomers here. Just cabbage, red capsicum/bell pepper, cherry or grape tomatoes, carrot, cucumber and green onions;

  • Edamame – Also known as fresh soy beans. Buy them frozen, either in their pods or already shelled, and just prepare per the packet (usually a 5 minute boil); and

  • Wasabi peas – Our “treat” ingredient! Wasabi peas are dried peas flavoured with wasabi, that make delicious snacks. Regular readers know I always include a “treat” in salads, for textural interest and deliciousness. Whether it’s candied nuts, plain nuts, crispy-fried shallots, croutons to name a few … or crushed wasabi peas, in this case! Seriously don’t skip this. It’s the cherry on top!

    They can usually be found in the Asian section of everyday grocery stores – they’re very popular these days! Sometimes they’re even in the general snack aisle! 😱

Smashed wasabi peas on a tea towel
Crushed wasabi peas. I used a meat mallet. Sometimes I use a mortar and pestle. Use whatever works for you. Just don’t skip the wasabi peas!

Quinoa Salad dressing ingredients

And here’s what you need for the Quinoa Salad dressing:

Ingredients for Quinoa Salad dressing
  • Mayonnaise – Before you get turned off by the inclusion of (a bit!) of mayonnaise in the dressing, hear me out!

    First, there’s only 2 1/2 tbsp.

    Secondly, it takes the place of some oil in this recipe and adds a lovely creamy note without any cream. So if you skip the mayo, you’ll need to substitute with more oil.

    Thirdly, it’s Kewpie mayonnaise. Everybody knows it’s the best mayonnaise around!

  • Rice vinegar – Less sharp than most Western vinegars. Substitute with cider vinegar, sherry vinegar or champagne vinegar;

  • Oil – Any neutral-flavoured oil will do there. Grapeseed is a good option;

  • Mirin – A sweet Japanese cooking wine, we only need a tiny amount to add depth of flavour into the dressing;

  • Soy sauce – Light or all-purpose. Not dark soy, it’s too intense. More on different soy sauces here;

  • Sugar – To balance the flavours;

  • Toasted sesame oil – For that irresistible sesame flavour we all know and love!

  • Fresh garlic and ginger – Don’t skip these! They really add essential fresh punch to the dressing. 🙂

Close up of pouring garlic ginger dressing over Quinoa Salad

How to make this Quinoa Salad

Nothing groundbreaking here!!

1. Shake the dressing

Combine dressing ingredients in a container and shake! I like to use a jar, for maximum emulsification! (And useful storage 😇)

How to make a great dressing for Quinoa Salad

2. Cook the quinoa

Cheffy tip: toast the quinoa in the oven! It’s effortless, but makes it soooo nutty. It’s free flavour, don’t skip it!

How to cook quinoa
  1. Spread quinoa on a tray;

  2. Toast in the oven for 15 minutes at 200°C/390°F. It will smell deliciously nutty when it’s ready!

  3. Rinse briefly in a sieve or strainer. Why? To remove quinoa’s natural coating (called saponin), which can make it taste bitter or soapy. Boxed quinoa is usually pre-rinsed, but it doesn’t hurt to get into the habit of rinsing;

  4. Scrape into a saucepan and add water;

  5. Simmer on low for 15 minutes with the lid on; and

  6. Rest 10 minutes – Once all the liquid has been absorbed, remove from the stove and rest for 10 minutes with the lid on. In this step, the quinoa absorbs residual water and becomes beautifully fluffy. If you skip this step, the quinoa will be watery.

Cool quinoa completely before making the salad.

3. Toss salad!

After all the preparing and chopping up all the vegetables, I always find this part so therapeutic!

How to make My Favourite Quinoa Salad

Nothing tricky here, just throw it all into a (very!) big bowl, pour over dressing then toss enthusiastically. And I’m not just saying “enthusiastically” to be cute. I mean it. To get everything mixed up properly, you need to toss, toss, toss with gusto!

How to serve this Quinoa Salad

This is one of those salads I like to call meal-worthy. It’s got:

  • That interest factor;

  • It’s pretty – should I have called it 🌈Rainbow Quinoa Salad?!

  • It’s filling – and keeps you full. Thanks Mr Quinoa! And;

  • It’s totally more-ish. It’s an overused descriptor but there really is something about this salad that makes it highly addictive.

    Just to illustrate – a response from my neighbour, after I took some over to them:

Being not too heavy and without proteins, it also absolutely has a place as a side salad. But I’ll be impressed if you make this as a side for a quick midweek dinner. Rather, I’m thinking you could take it to book club, or a pot luck, or have it as part of a salad spread for lunch with friends. It’s got the oomph to stand on its own two feet and certainly a step up from a basic garden salad! 🙂 – Nagi x


Watch how to make it

This recipe features in my debut cookbook Dinner. The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand!

Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.

My Favourite Quinoa Salad in a large green bowl, ready to be served

My Favourite Quinoa Salad

Author: Nagi
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Quinoa resting & cooling: 40 mins
Light mains, Salad meal, Side Salad
Asian-esque
4.99 from 54 votes
Servings10 – 12 as a side
Tap or hover to scale
Print
Recipe video above. Elevate your Quinoa Salad with two simple tricks: Toasting the quinoa in the oven to give it a gorgeous nutty flavour (great cheffy tip!), and use a wickedly good garlic/ginger dressing!
It makes an excellent meal-worthy Asian-style salad, or colourful rainbow salad to take to gatherings. Don't skip the sprinkle of Wasabi Pea dust. It's the cherry on top!
Serves: 10-12 as side, 5 as meal

Ingredients

Quinoa:

  • 1 cup quinoa , tri-colour (or other colour, Note 1)
  • 2 cups water

Salad:

  • 1 cup cucumber , finely diced (Note 2)
  • 1 carrot , medium, peeled and finely shredded (Note 3)
  • 3 cups red cabbage , finely shredded (~1/4 small or 1/8 large cabbage)
  • 2 green onions , finely sliced
  • 250g/ 8oz cherry tomatoes , small ones quartered, large ones cut into 6
  • 1 cup shelled edamame , cooked per packet then cooled (Note 4)
  • 1 red capsicum/bell pepper , finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup coriander/cilantro leaves , finely chopped

Dressing:

  • 5 tbsp soy sauce , light or all-purpose (Note 5)
  • 2 tbsp mirin (Note 6)
  • 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar (sub: cider, sherry or champagne vinegar)
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil , toasted (Note 7)
  • 2 1/2 tbsp canola, vegetable or grapeseed oil
  • 2 1/2 tbsp Kewpie mayonnaise (sub whole-egg mayo such as Hellman's or S&W, Note 8)
  • 2 1/2 tsp sugar (white or brown)
  • 2 tsp ginger , freshly grated
  • 1 garlic clove , crushed using garlic press or finely grated using microplane

Garnishes:

  • 1/3 cup wasabi peas , crushed (Note 9)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds , toasted (Note 10)

Instructions

Cook quinoa:

  • Toast for extra flavour: Preheat oven to 200°C/390°F (180° fan) Spread quinoa on a tray. Bake 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until it's lightly browned and smells nutty.
  • Rinse: Transfer to fine mesh sieve or strainer. Rinse under running water for 10 seconds, shake off excess water well.
  • Cook: Scrape into a medium saucepan. Add water, place lid on. Bring to simmer on medium heat, then lower stove to low and simmer for 15 minutes (or until all water is absorbed, tilt pot to check).
  • Rest: Remove from stove (lid still on) and rest for 10 minutes.
  • Fluff & cool: Remove lid, fluff quinoa with a fork and allow to fully cool before using. (Spread on a tray if you want to speed things up).

Salad:

  • Dressing: Place ingredients in a jar and shake well.
  • Toss salad! Place quinoa in a large bowl. Add all salad ingredients. Pour over dressing, toss very well.
  • Garnish: Either transfer to a large serving platter or individual bowls. Sprinkle generously with crushed Wasabi Peas and sesame seeds. Devour!

Recipe Notes:

1. Quinoa – Different coloured quinoa have slightly different flavours. White is the most neutral, red and black have slightly more earthy/nutty flavours. Tri-colour is a mix of all three. Any colour quinoa will work just fine here.
2. Cucumber – If using Lebanese (shorter) cucumbers, there’s no need to peel them but scrape out the watery seeds using a teaspoon (cut in half lengthwise then scrape out). If using the longer ones (English/Telegraph), use around 20cm/8″ and peel the skin (it tends to be a bit tougher) but no need to remove seeds (it’s not as watery).
3. Carrot shredding – I use a shredder tool that creates really thin strands, it cost a pittance from an Asian store. The finer the strands, the better. Fallback: Standard box grater.
4. Edamame – The fresh beans of young soybeans, easily found these days in the freezer section of everyday grocery stores alongside peas! Cook time is the same for with-pod vs podded, around 5 minutes.
5. Soy sauce – Use light or all-purpose soy sauce. Do not use dark soy sauce (too strong) or sweet soy sauce (too sweet). More on different soy sauces here.
6. Mirin – A sweet Japanese cooking wine, it adds depth of flavour and complexity to anything. Substitute 1/2 tsp sugar + 1 tbsp extra rice wine + 1/2 tbsp extra mayonnaise.
7. Sesame oil – Use toasted, which has a more intense sesame flavour (it’s brown in colour). Untoasted oil is yellow and harder to find in Australia.
8. Kewpie mayonnaise – A popular Japanese mayonnaise easily found these days in the Asian section of grocery stores. Famed for the smooth flavour and gentle rice vinegar tang! Sub with any mayo.
Substitute: More oil (same amount as mayo).
9. Wasabi peas – Common these days, find them in the Asian section of any grocery store. Crush so some of it becomes a powder using whatever method works for you, eg. mortar and pestle, or tea towel and meat mallet or rolling pin.
10. Sesame seeds – Toast, stirring regularly, in a small skillet (no oil) until lightly browned and they smell nutty!
11. Storage/make ahead – Being cabbage-based, this salad keeps pretty well the next day! It wilts a bit and becomes a little slaw-like. Toss well and consume at room temperature. If intentionally making ahead, best to keep dressing and garnishes separate.
11. Nutrition per serving, assuming 10 servings as a side dish.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 177cal (9%)Carbohydrates: 18g (6%)Protein: 5g (10%)Fat: 10g (15%)Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)Trans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 495mg (22%)Potassium: 298mg (9%)Fiber: 3g (13%)Sugar: 4g (4%)Vitamin A: 1540IU (31%)Vitamin C: 30mg (36%)Calcium: 42mg (4%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
Keywords: dressing for quinoa salad, how to cook quinoa, quinoa salad
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @RecipeTinEats.

Life of Dozer

Inspection of new herb and veggie garden underway! He approves. 👌🏻

Dozer checking out new veg garden
Dozer checking out new veg garden
Dozer checking out new veg garden
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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

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162 Comments

  1. Liz says

    January 17, 2023 at 7:50 am

    5 stars
    I made this salad on the weekend. It was so good. We had it with grilled chicken tenders. I will make this again and again !! thanks Nagi

    Reply
  2. Helen says

    January 15, 2023 at 8:41 pm

    5 stars
    The whole family loved this salad. Will be making it regularly. Thanks Nagi

    Reply
  3. Minji says

    October 16, 2022 at 2:29 pm

    5 stars
    It was so good. I think you can even add grilled chicken or shrimps to make one good meal out of it. I will try next time.

    Reply
  4. Pia says

    October 4, 2022 at 4:49 pm

    I rinsed my quinoa after toasting and it still had a bitter taste.

    Presumably I can’t wash it first and then toast it… or can I? 🙂

    Reply
    • anonymous says

      October 10, 2022 at 8:01 am

      If you wash it first then you’ll have to dry it really well otherwise it won’t toast, it will steam. hope that helps 🙂

      Reply
  5. Kes says

    September 26, 2022 at 1:31 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely beautiful salad combination, a big hit with our family at a birthday lunch today, thanks yet again Nagi

    Reply
  6. Danuta Gajewski says

    August 31, 2022 at 10:05 am

    5 stars
    This was a great hit with my granddaughter who is vegetarian. She absolutely loved it…and I must say, I really enjoyed it too, the dressing really popped! It’s another keeper!!

    Reply
  7. Ivan Colón says

    August 1, 2022 at 12:41 pm

    5 stars
    This is a great salad. So much flavor and a fantastic side that can easily be a main course. Be loved the dressing. Not to strong but bod flavor. Added a little hot sauce to give it even more zing. Very versatile. Note makes A LOT so great for leftovers. Thanks Nagi.

    Reply
  8. Alicooksfor5 says

    May 10, 2022 at 8:14 am

    5 stars
    What a gorgeous salad, visually, texturally and especially in flavor! I made a couple of blunders, forgot to buy tomatoes, and thought the recipe said sunflower seeds too so added those with the sesame seeds. Will be making this often. Thanks Nagi, love your recipes.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 10, 2022 at 1:08 pm

      It’s very versatile so I’m sure those few changes didn’t affect the end result! N x

      Reply
  9. Gillian says

    March 30, 2022 at 6:49 am

    5 stars
    Super salad!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 30, 2022 at 5:39 pm

      I am glad you liked it Gillian! N x

      Reply
  10. Nea says

    March 16, 2022 at 8:04 pm

    Hi,
    Are the calories per 100g ? Looking forward to making this

    Reply
  11. Treina densley says

    February 4, 2022 at 3:27 pm

    5 stars
    This is a delicious salad. Full of flavour.
    Definitely worth making.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      February 6, 2022 at 12:05 am

      Thanks Treina!! N x

      Reply
  12. Jackie says

    January 31, 2022 at 2:19 pm

    5 stars
    Really really nice tasted even better the next day. Will definitely be making. again and again. Thanks for another great recipe.

    Reply
  13. Norma Vega says

    January 2, 2022 at 3:19 am

    5 stars
    Excellent combination of textures and very delicious. It also stores well in the fridge for a few days.

    Reply
  14. Tracy Corbett says

    December 19, 2021 at 2:31 pm

    This is the most colorful tasty quinoa salad ive ever made, and ive made a LOT! Its going to feature as a christmas day salad this year, thank you!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      December 19, 2021 at 4:58 pm

      No worries Tracy! I’m glad you liked it! N x

      Reply
  15. Diane Shin says

    October 23, 2021 at 12:11 am

    5 stars
    OBSESSED with this salad!! So delicious and perfect to pack for lunches for the week. I don’t like wasabi peas, so I added in fried noodle topping for a nice crunch!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      October 25, 2021 at 10:11 am

      So glad you enjoyed it! N x

      Reply
  16. Sigourney says

    October 2, 2021 at 10:31 am

    Hi Nagi, this looks delicious! Any tips for people who hate wasabi? What could we use as a treat ingredient instead?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      October 2, 2021 at 10:56 am

      Hmm! Let me think…. crispy fried asian shallots! Just the packs you buy at grocery stores 🙂 Anything salt and crunchy really! Otherwise, try those store bought crispy fried noodles!

      Reply
  17. Fiona says

    September 26, 2021 at 8:22 pm

    5 stars
    Love this salad.It’s the best quinoa salad I made. It was a huge hit with my family. I followed the recipe however I did not have Mirin so left it out.The salad was still delicious.Certainly one I will be making again and again .😀

    Reply
  18. Darcy says

    September 15, 2021 at 5:42 pm

    5 stars
    Nagi, I’m not a salad person, but this is hands down the best salad I’ve ever made / eaten!
    The DRESSING! I delivered some (contactless) to my friends (happy lockdown), and they loved it too! Will be making again for sure. I’m thinking Christmas Day <3

    Reply
  19. Irma says

    September 8, 2021 at 8:37 pm

    5 stars
    Made this for dinner tonight and loving it. We added corn to make it rainbow color, and used leftover quinoa in the freezer. This would be a regular! Thanks, Nagi.

    Reply
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I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

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