Heads up! We may use affiliate links in this post. You'll never pay more, but we might earn a small commission if you buy - thanks for supporting us! See our full disclosure here.
Quinoa salads have a bit of a reputation problem. Too often, they’re filed under healthy but sad—something you eat because you should, not because you want to.
But when done well, quinoa is quietly elite: nutty, hearty, endlessly adaptable, and capable of carrying a meal in its own right.
I’ve come to appreciate quinoa most when it pulls double duty—bringing substance without heaviness, structure without boredom.
PIN FOR LATER
It plays well with crisp vegetables, bold dressings, herbs, roasted everything, and the kind of mix-ins that make lunch feel intentional instead of improvised.
The result is a salad that holds up past noon, tastes even better the next day, and doesn’t leave you hunting for snacks an hour later!
These 13 quinoa salad recipes ahead prove the point. These are vibrant, filling, and genuinely craveable—the kind you’ll make on repeat, not just when you’re trying to be “good.”
1. Mediterranean Quinoa salad
This Mediterranean quinoa salad hits all the right notes—briny olives, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta layered over a hearty quinoa base. It’s fresh, filling, and exactly the kind of lunch that still feels good hours later.
2. Chickpea Arugula Quinoa Salad
Peppery arugula, hearty quinoa, and protein-packed chickpeas come together with creamy avocado and salty feta for a salad that feels balanced and satisfying. It’s fresh, filling, and ideal for a lunch that doesn’t fade fast.
3. Big Fat Greek Quinoa Salad
This big, bold Greek-inspired quinoa salad is packed with crisp vegetables, briny olives, and chickpeas for serious texture and flavour. It’s the kind of hearty, colourful bowl that works just as well for meal prep as it does for a last-minute lunch.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 6 Gut-Healing Smoothie Recipes That Transform Morning Rituals
4. The Best Quinoa Salad
This all-purpose quinoa salad earns its title with a colourful mix of crisp vegetables, chickpeas, and fresh herbs tossed in a bright, simple dressing. It’s balanced, flavorful, and the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to when you want something easy but well-rounded.
5. One Pot Moroccan-Inspired Chickpea Quinoa Salad
Warm spices, tender chickpeas, and fluffy quinoa come together in this one-pot Moroccan-inspired salad that feels cosy without being heavy. It’s deeply flavorful, beautifully textured, and ideal for nights when you want maximum payoff with minimal cleanup.
6. Greek Quinoa Salad
This Greek quinoa salad brings together juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny olives, and creamy feta over a hearty quinoa base. Fresh, vibrant, and well-balanced, it works just as easily for weeknight dinners as it does for make-ahead lunches.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 23 Vegan Pasta Recipes Worth Bookmarking
7. Protein-Packed Chicken Quinoa Salad
This protein-packed chicken quinoa salad balances lean protein with fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella for a meal that feels both nourishing and satisfying. It’s the kind of lunch that keeps you full without weighing you down.
8. Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Roasted butternut squash adds warmth and sweetness to this quinoa salad, balanced by hearty greens, creamy cheese, and pops of pomegranate. It’s cosy, colourful, and especially good when you want something nourishing with a seasonal feel.
9. Summer Quinoa Salad
This summer quinoa salad is bright, colourful, and full of peak-season produce, from juicy tomatoes to sweet corn and fresh herbs. Light but satisfying, it’s the kind of dish that fits right in at picnics, barbecues, and easy weeknight dinners.
10. Thai Quinoa Salad
This Thai-inspired quinoa salad is bright, crunchy, and packed with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and plenty of texture. Bold flavours and a punchy dressing make it feel lively and satisfying without being overly heavy.
11. Kale and Quinoa Salad
This kale and quinoa salad balances hearty greens with juicy berries, crunchy seeds, and a lightly sweet dressing. It’s fresh, nutrient-dense, and surprisingly satisfying for something that still feels light.
12. Lemon Quinoa & Chickpea Salad
Bright lemon, tender chickpeas, and fluffy quinoa make this salad feel fresh and effortless. Light, zippy, and full of texture, it’s perfect for lunches that need a little lift.
13. Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad
Roasted broccoli brings depth and warmth to this quinoa salad, paired with chickpeas, lemon, and a hint of spice. It’s hearty, savoury, and perfect when you want something nourishing with real substance.