This naturally gluten free ancient grain is a brilliant addition to so many of dishes, adding a serving of plant-based protein to both sweet and savoury dishes. This collection of recipes honours its ability to take salads from bland to brilliant.
Quinoa is no longer just a side dish, nor is it considered boring. Our quinoa salad recipe ideas make for fabulous lunches or light dinners that are easy to meal prep.
Looking for more quinoa recipes?
What is quinoa?
While it may be relatively new to many of us, quinoa has been a staple food in the Andean region of South America for thousands of years. The Incas are said to have considered it sacred, calling it “the mother of all grains“.
As its popularity grows in Australia, we take a look at exactly what quinoa is, its impressive nutritional value and the best recipes to use it in.
Nutritious and delicious quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is cooked and eaten like a grain, but it is in fact a seed. It has a delicate, nutty flavour and a slightly chewy texture.
There are three varieties of quinoa available – white, red and black. We love it as it is quick to cook, is an excellent carrier of flavours and adds a lovely texture to meals.
You can use it as a replacement wherever you might use grains or rice.
How to cook quinoa?
To prepare 1 cup of quinoa, rinse well under cold, running water. Bring 2 cups of water to the boil in a medium saucepan, add quinoa and cook, covered, over low heat for 10-12 minutes or until just tender. Drain any residual liquid and fluff up quinoa with a fork.
01
Roast pumpkin, capsicum, lentil and quinoa salad
Roast pumpkin, capsicum, lentil and quinoa salad
You’ll be sure to win friends with this salad. Packed with fresh and fabulous vegetables this hearty salad is great as a side or as a complete meal option.
02
Healthy breakfast bowl with dukkah eggs and quinoa
Healthy breakfast bowl with dukkah eggs and quinoa
Tuck into a breakfast of boiled eggs rolled in crunchy, flavourful dukkah, nestled in a bed of healthy greens and protein-rich quinoa, and drizzled with a mouthwatering tahini dressing.
03
Poached chicken and quinoa salad with watercress
Poached chicken and quinoa salad with watercress
A deliciously fresh and vibrant salad with poached chicken, watermelon radishes, watercress, quinoa and balsamic dressing, perfect for summer nights.
04
Quinoa tabbouleh
This riff on the classic Lebanese tabbouleh can be a tasty accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood, or a substantial lunch with protein added.
05
Five grain salad with feta and oranges
Five grain salad with feta and oranges
Packed full of flavour and textures, this delicious salad is super filling and nutritious. This mixed grain and feta salad recipe includes five ancient grains including rice, barley, couscous, quinoa and freekeh.
06
Turmeric veg with sauerkraut hummus
Turmeric veg with sauerkraut hummus
The ultimate nutrient-packed lunch bowl! Fresh vegies, sauerkraut, nuts & seeds and a vibrant sauerkraut hummus sauce make it hearty and flavorful.
07
Green quinoa with sesame eggs
This delicious green quinoa with sesame eggs dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Full of health boosting superfoods, and fresh delicious flavours – you simply can’t go wrong!
08
Smoked tuna and quinoa salad with broccolini
Smoked tuna and quinoa salad with broccolini
Jazz up your workday lunches with this fresh and tasty smoked tuna salad.
09
Broccoli, pea and quinoa salad
Broccoli, pea and quinoa salad
This filling salad with broccoli, peas, broad beans, brown rice and quinoa for a satisfying main or side. Finish with fresh lemon and caper dressing
10
Quinoa salad with char-grilled vegetables and tuna
Quinoa salad with char-grilled vegetables and tuna
Take one tin of tuna, a vibrant mix of chargrilled vegetables and the power grain, quinoa, to create this simple salad.
11
Italian-style quinoa salad
The popular superfood quinoa dives in to save lunch yet again with this Italian style salad. Filled with tomatoes, capsicum, boccincini and a zesty dressing your taste buds and stomach will be thanking you.
12
Lemon and dill chickpea salad
Light and fresh – this tasty lemon and dill chickpea salad
This healthy quinoa salad is a quick, tasty and perfect for the whole family! Suitable for the 2-Day Fast Diet.
13
Five grain salad with feta and oranges
Five grain salad with feta and oranges
Packed full of flavour and textures, this delicious salad is super filling and nutritious.
14
Mediterranean grain salad
If you’re looking for a healthy salad with a difference, try this Cypriot-inspired Mediterranean grain salad packed with lentils, brown rice, quinoa, seeds, nuts and fresh herbs.
15
Chicken, quinoa and witlof salad
Chicken, quinoa and witlof salad
This chicken and quinoa salad is a fantastic energy-boosting lunch with crunchy hazelnuts and green apple.
16
Za’atar snapper with quinoa tabbouleh
Za’atar snapper with quinoa tabbouleh
Delicate snapper seasoned with za’atar pairs perfectly with the Middle-Eastern flavours of a fresh quinoa tabbouleh.
17
Quinoa, zucchini and fetta salad
Quinoa, zucchini and fetta salad
Fluffy quinoa comes to life with this herby zucchini and feta recipe. Toasted hazelnuts add crunch and heirloom tomatoes sweetness and flavour. A satisfying and healthy meal.
18
Quinoa and citrus prawn salad
If you’re too lazy to cook, make this refreshing quinoa and citrus prawn salad – it’s delicious!
19
Zucchini quinoa salad with candied walnuts and haloumi
Zucchini quinoa salad with candied walnuts and haloumi
A healthy and delicious zucchini quinoa salad with candied walnuts and haloumi.
20
Balsamic-roasted pumpkin and red quinoa salad
Balsamic-roasted pumpkin and red quinoa salad
This vibrant quinoa salad is served with balsamic-roasted pumpkin and fresh greens and feta.
21
Quinoa, chicken & parsley salad
Quinoa, chicken & parsley salad
Impress guests with this fresh chicken and quinoa salad! It’s a fabulous side and an even better main.
22
Green quinoa with sesame eggs
This delicious green quinoa with sesame eggs dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Full of health boosting superfoods, and fresh delicious flavours – you simply can’t go wrong!
23
Grilled pork with quinoa and kale salad
Totally delicious and totally good for you – you simply can’t go wrong with this kale and quinoa salad with grilled pork! And it’s perfect for diabetics too.
24
Quinoa salad with haloumi and pomegranate
Quinoa salad with haloumi and pomegranate
Adorned with pomegranate seeds and served with tasty haloumi, this fresh quinoa salad is an excellent workday lunch.
25
Quinoa fattoush
Fresh, wholesome and tasty – this delicious quinoa fattoush ticks all the boxes and will have you coming back for more!
26
Salmon and quinoa salad
Enjoy this deliciously fresh salmon and quinoa salad for lunch or dinner any night of the week.
