Fabulous Quinoa Superfood Salad

Nourish your body with this delicious Fabulous Quinoa Superfood Salad!

One of the many reasons this is called a Fabulous Quinoa Superfood Salad is that it tastes so deeply satisfying. Adding a grain to a salad provides more nutrition, flavor, and texture as well as taking it from a “side” to a “main” dish. This is a meal in itself. It hits the spot as it delivers all the flavors we crave – sweet, sour, umami, bitter, and pungent.

This post is all about creating the most delicious and flavorsome Fabulous Quinoa Superfood Salad.

What’s in the salad?

Honestly, it’s up to you. Think of this recipe as a suggestion. Use what you love and what you have. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• broccoli, or broccolini (or in the UK where I am at the moment, purple sprouting)
• baby leafy greens such as kale, spinach, chard, romaine, mixed lettuce
• cabbage, red or green
• cucumbers, for a nice bit of crunch
• peppers, all colors, hot and sweet
• olives, green, or black
• tomatoes
• fresh herbs, this is important as they impart such amazing flavor. Try mint, basil, cilantro, parsley, chives, and oregano, use what you love!
• Avocado
• Nuts and seeds – pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flax, cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans,

Health benefits of Quinoa!

• Rich in Nutrients: Quinoa is packed with essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins (like B vitamins), and minerals (like magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium).
• Complete Protein Source: Quinoa is one of the few plant-based foods that contain all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. This makes it particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans.
• High Fiber Content: Quinoa is high in dietary fiber, which can aid digestion, promote satiety, and help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Gluten-Free: Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable grain alternative for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
• Heart Health: Quinoa contains heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as antioxidants like flavonoids and quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
• Blood Sugar Control: The high fiber and protein content of quinoa can help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it a suitable food choice for individuals with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.
• Weight Management: Quinoa’s high protein and fiber content can contribute to feelings of fullness and satiety, potentially aiding weight management efforts.
• Bone Health: Quinoa is a good source of minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are essential for maintaining bone health and preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
• Antioxidant Properties: Quinoa contains various antioxidants, including flavonoids, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
• Improved Metabolism: Some research suggests that certain compounds found in quinoa may have beneficial effects on metabolism, potentially aiding in weight loss and overall metabolic health.

What about the dressing?

There are lots of delicious options here! Sometimes I enjoy a very clean oil-free dressing such as:

• Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinaigrette

other options include:

• Herby Tahini Dressing
• Vegan Ranch Dressing
• Green Goddess Dressing
• Another brand I really enjoy is Well Your World which has a great variety of delicious oil-free dressings, seasonings, and mixes.

Can I make Fabulous Quinoa Superfood Salad in advance?

• The quinoa can be cooked in advance and will happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days
• You can chop and assemble all the salad ingredients BUT I would suggest adding the herbs at the last minute
• Pour over the dressing just before serving

How can I cut down on time?

• Having a few packets of FROZEN quinoa is enormously helpful. It takes 3 minutes in the microwave to cook!
• Buy ready chopped veggies
• Use a store-bought dressing

What equipment do I need to make a Fabulous Quinoa Superfood Salad?

• Good quality chopping knife
• Nice sized heavy-duty chopping board
• Some very pretty serving plates, like these from Clodagh McKenna

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Quinoa Superfood Salad

Print Recipe

5 from 1 review

A hearty, delicious, and satisfying Quinoa Superfood Salad

• Author: Mary Callan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
1x2x3x

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 small bunch of broccoli, or broccoli rabe, steamed to just tender

1 1/2 cups assorted leafy greens, such as watercress, arugula, lettuce, chopped if large

3/4 cup fresh herbs, an assortment is lovely, mint, basil, parsley, cilantro, chives, etc

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 avocado, peeled and sliced

1/3 cup olives, pitted

1/2 English cucumber, deseeded and diced

1/4 cup toasted nuts and seeds, such as pumpkin, sunflower, cashew, walnuts, almonds

Zest and juice of a lemon

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Instructions

1. Steam the broccoli or broccolini until just tender. Drain and put aside to cool while you’re preparing the rest of the salad.
2. Place the cooked quinoa in a large bowl
3. Cut the steamed broccoli or broccoli rabe into bite-size pieces and add to the bowl
4. Add all the other ingredients, and toss to combine.
5. Drizzle over the dressing of your choice, I love this Bragg’s Oil-Free Vinaigrette
6. Top with fresh herbs, and a further sprinkling of nuts and seeds

Looking for more deliciously healthy salads? Try these!

Farro and Pea Salad

Winter Kale Salad

Best Ever Chickpea Salad

I hope you love this Quinoa Superfood Salad! I’d love to hear from you, please leave a comment and rate the recipe! Thanks so much and happy cooking:)