If you are on the hunt for a vibrant, colorful, and irresistibly fresh dish, then look no further than My Favourite Quinoa Salad Recipe. This salad is a spectacular blend of crunchy veggies, nutty quinoa, and a lively Asian-inspired dressing that will awaken your taste buds. It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors, making it not only a wholesome meal but also a cheerful centerpiece for any table. Trust me, once you try this salad, it quickly becomes a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad shines because it uses simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the bowl. From the tri-colour quinoa that adds a hearty base, to crisp cucumber and sweet cherry tomatoes offering refreshing bites, every item works in harmony to create a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 1 cup quinoa (tri-colour or other colour): The protein-packed foundation that gives the salad a lovely nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
- 2 cups water: Essential for perfectly cooking the quinoa to fluffy perfection.
- 1 cup cucumber, finely diced: Adds a cool crispness to balance the richer flavors.
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely shredded: Provides a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 3 cups red cabbage, finely shredded: Brings crunch and a beautiful deep purple hue.
- 2 green onions, finely sliced: Adds a gentle oniony aroma without overpowering the salad.
- 250g cherry tomatoes, small ones quartered or larger cut into sixths: Bursting with juiciness and natural sweetness.
- 1 cup shelled edamame, cooked and cooled: Packed with protein, these little green gems add a subtle buttery flavor.
- 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped: Offers sweetness and a crisp texture that complements the softer ingredients.
- 1/2 cup coriander/cilantro leaves, finely chopped: Infuses the salad with fresh, citrusy notes.
- 5 tbsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose): Provides the salty backbone and umami depth.
- 2 tbsp mirin: A sweet rice wine that softens the sharpness and adds complexity to the dressing.
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar (or cider, sherry, or champagne vinegar): Brings brightness and tang to balance rich elements.
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil: Imparts a warm, nutty aroma that elevates the salad.
- 2 1/2 tbsp canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil: Light oils to give body and smoothness without heaviness.
- 2 1/2 tbsp Kewpie mayonnaise (sub whole-egg mayo): Adds a creamy texture that binds the salad beautifully.
- 2 1/2 tsp sugar (white or brown): Balances the acidity and deep flavors in the dressing.
- 2 tsp freshly grated ginger: Lends a fragrant, spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
- 1 garlic clove, crushed or finely grated: Adds depth and a subtle pungency without overwhelming.
- 1/3 cup wasabi peas, crushed: Brings a fun, crunchy texture with a spicy twist.
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds: A final nutty sprinkle for taste and visual appeal.
How to Make My Favourite Quinoa Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove its natural bitterness, then combine it with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool while you prep the other ingredients. This step ensures your quinoa is light and fluffy, the perfect canvas for all the fresh flavors to come.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the quinoa cooks, finely dice the cucumber, shred the carrot and red cabbage, slice the green onions, chop the red capsicum, and quarter the cherry tomatoes. Cook the edamame according to the packet instructions if not pre-cooked, then cool them off. Finely chop the coriander leaves last to keep their vibrant flavor fresh. Organizing your vegetables like this ensures each bite has bursts of crunchy freshness, brightness, and sweetness.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, canola oil, Kewpie mayonnaise, sugar, freshly grated ginger, and crushed garlic. This dressing is the soul of My Favourite Quinoa Salad Recipe — creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet with layers of savory flavor that tie every ingredient together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with all the prepared vegetables and edamame. Pour over the dressing and gently toss everything together until each grain and veggie is coated evenly. The mixture should glisten with flavor and look vibrant — this step is where all the magic happens.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the crushed wasabi peas and toasted sesame seeds over the salad for that irresistible crunch and a touch of spice. Give the salad one last gentle toss to distribute these final flavors and textures. Now, your My Favourite Quinoa Salad Recipe is ready for the table, boasting a pleasing combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy.
How to Serve My Favourite Quinoa Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra fresh burst, sprinkle additional chopped coriander or fresh mint leaves on top right before serving. A light drizzle of extra toasted sesame oil or a few whole wasabi peas can also add a fun contrast to the creamy dressing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or tofu for a complete meal. It can also be served alongside warm flatbreads or as a refreshing counterpoint to spicy, flavorful dishes like Korean BBQ or Thai curries.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your quinoa salad in individual glass jars for a trendy, make-ahead lunch option, or jazz it up as a colorful bed for taco bowls or burrito wraps. The vibrant colors make it a real eye-catcher when presented in hollowed-out bell peppers or edible lettuce cups at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover quinoa salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving again, especially to redistribute the dressing and crispy toppings.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, as freezing can cause the vegetables to lose their crispness and the dressing to separate. For best results, avoid freezing My Favourite Quinoa Salad Recipe to maintain its fresh flavors and textures.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer it warm, lightly warm the quinoa separately and toss it with fresh vegetables and dressing just before serving. This way, you keep the salad’s refreshing quality intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of quinoa for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tri-colour quinoa adds beautiful visual appeal, you can use white or red quinoa as well without compromising the texture or flavor of My Favourite Quinoa Salad Recipe.
Is there a substitute for Kewpie mayonnaise?
You can substitute Kewpie mayo with any good-quality whole-egg mayonnaise like Hellman’s or S&W. The key is to have a creamy element that balances the tangy dressing.
Can I prepare this salad vegan-friendly?
Definitely! Just swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan alternative, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based and delicious.
What can I use instead of wasabi peas?
If you don’t have wasabi peas on hand, crushed toasted nuts or crispy roasted chickpeas add a similar crunch and depth. You can also omit them entirely if you prefer a milder bite.
How long does it take to prep and cook?
The whole process takes about 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking plus some cooling time. It’s a quick yet impressive recipe ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Final Thoughts
My Favourite Quinoa Salad Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a gift to yourself—bright, satisfying, and bursting with fresh flavors. Whether it’s a nourishing lunch, a side dish at dinner, or a potluck star, it brings joy in every bite. So grab your ingredients and dive into this colorful salad experience; I promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
