Rainbow Quinoa Salad (Gluten Free Vegan) (2024)

Rainbow Quinoa Salad (Gluten Free Vegan) – loaded with vitamin rich colorful veggies and high in protein, this Rainbow Quinoa Salad is light, yet hearty, and perfect for meal prep lunches!

Gluten Free Rainbow Quinoa Salad

If you’re looking for a protein-rich meatless meal or a healthy make ahead lunch, this recipe is for you. Rainbow Quinoa Salad is fresh, colorful, nutrient dense, and totally satisfying. It is simple to prepare, requires minimal cooking, and can be customized to your taste, perfect for adding to your rotation of healthy meals. The rainbow of colorful raw vegetables in this salad makes it a great source of vitamins and anti-oxidants.

Ingredients

• Quinoa
• Veggies – Red and yellow bell pepper, carrots, cucumber, and spinach
• Black olives (or kalamata olives)
• Feta Cheese
• Olive Oil
• Lemon Juice
• Salt and pepper

How to Cook Quinoa for Salad

First, it’s important to always rinse quinoa before cooking. Why rinse quinoa? It may seem like an unnecessary step, but it makes a big difference in taste! Quinoa is actually a seed with a natural coating called saponin that can taste bitter and cause digestive issues. To rinse, simply place the dry quinoa in a mesh strainer and run cold water over it for 1-2 minutes.

To cook, combine a 1:2 ratio of quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed by the quinoa. For 1 cup of quinoa, 15 minutes of cook time is usually sufficient. If desired, use broth in place of the water while cooking for a flavor/protein boost.

How to Make Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Salad is extremely versatile and can be made with literally any combination of vegetables, herbs, and flavors. Quinoa is mild in flavor, high in protein, with a little chew to it, making it a wonderful alternative base for a salad. In this version, quinoa is combined with a rainbow of crunchy, fresh vegetables and a light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice.

To build your own Quinoa Salad, follow the instructions in this recipe, but feel free to substitute your favorite cooked/uncooked vegetables, herbs, and dressing (see ideas below.)

What to Put in Quinoa Salad

Raw Vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, kale, spinach, carrots, zucchini

Cooked Vegetables such as cooked butternut squash or roasted sweet potatoes

Fresh Herbs like parsley and cilantro

Healthy Fats like olives, avocados, nuts, feta cheese and goat cheese

Other protein sources such as cooked chicken breast, black beans, and chickpeas

Why is Quinoa Good for You?

Quinoa is naturally gluten free and one of few plant-based grains that is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids that our body cannot produce on its own. It is high in protein, iron, calcium and contains B vitamins. Like many whole grains, quinoa is a good source of fiber and energy-fueling carbohydrates. If you are looking to eat more plant-based meals and limit your meat intake, quinoa is an excellent choice!

How Long does Quinoa Salad Last in the Fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, cooked quinoa will keep for up to 7 days in the refrigerator. To meal prep this Rainbow Quinoa Salad, place individual servings in glass containers for easy grab and go lunches.

More Healthy Quinoa Recipes

Jennifer Aniston Salad

Quinoa Black Bean Tacos

Quinoa and Bean Chili

Chicken Verde Quinoa Bowls

Tomato Herb Quinoa Salad with Goat Cheese

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