Best Fresh Quinoa Salad Recipes

SUMMER-FRESH QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook quinoa according to package directions. Transfer to a large bowl; cool completely. , In a small bowl, combine water and tomatoes; let stand for 5 minutes. Drain and chop tomatoes; add to quinoa. Stir in the cucumber, peppers, onions, cheese and 1/4 cup salad dressing., Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Just before serving, stir in remaining salad dressing.

QUINOA SALAD WITH FRESH HEARTS OF PALM (ENSALADA DE QUINOA CON CHONTA)

Steps:

• Wash quinoa in 3 changes of cold water in a bowl, draining in a fine-mesh sieve. Cook quinoa in a medium pot of well-salted boiling water, uncovered, until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Drain in sieve, then set sieve over same pot above 1 inch of simmering water (water should not touch bottom of sieve). Cover quinoa with a folded kitchen towel (not terry cloth), then cover with a lid (don't worry if lid doesn't fit tightly) and steam until tender, fluffy, and dry, about 15 minutes. Let stand off heat, without lid but still covered with towel, 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, soak onion in a bowl of cold water 5 minutes, then drain well and pat very dry.
• Trim ends of hearts of palm, then cut crosswise into very thin slices with slicer.
• Whisk together vinegar, oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Toss quinoa, onion, hearts of palm, and parsley with dressing.
• What to drink:
• Concha y Torro Terrunyo Casablanca Valley Sauvignon Blanc '07

REALLY FRESH RAW QUINOA SALAD (RAW, VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE)

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together.
• Enjoy the fresh taste!

THAI QUINOA SALAD WITH FRESH HERBS AND LIME VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Add quinoa, salt, and 1 2/3 c water to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked.
• You'll know it's done when the tails sprout from the grains. Transfer to a serving bowl and let cool in the refrigerator.
• In the meantime, make the dressing by combining the lime juice, fish sauce, vegetable oil, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium bowl.
• Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
• Once the quinoa is cool, add the red bell peppers, carrots, cucumber, scallions, fresh herbs, and dressing.
• Toss well and then taste to adjust seasoning with more salt, sugar, and lime juice if necessary. (I preferred more lime and red pepper). Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• This salad keeps well for several days in the fridge.

FRESH QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook quinoa as directed and cool to room temperature. Add red onion, garlic, red or yellow pepper, carrot, tomato, cilantro, and lemon zest. Toss gently. Mix olive oil and lemon and drizzle into salad. Salt and pepper your salad to taste. Chill at least an hour before serving.