Easy Quinoa Salad Recipes to Make for Lunch

If you know me, you know I always manage to sneak quinoa into some of my favorite recipes. Whether it’s a new one pan dinner or a yummy on-the-go bar, there’s something about quinoa that just gives it that extra goodness.

Not only do these healthy quinoa salad recipes make the best, most satisfying lunches, but they’re also great for feeding a crowd as an easy side dish. Make a double batch for the whole family and serve with your favorite proteins! Easily store any leftovers in the fridge — they’ll stay good for days.

Reasons to love quinoa

If you can’t tell, I absolutely LOVE quinoa and especially love adding it to salads to create fresh, flavorful, and nourishing meals. Besides having a slightly nutty taste and neutral enough to use in pretty much any recipe, it’s:

• Packed with protein. You’ll get 8 grams of protein for a cup of cooked quinoa!
• Filled with 5 grams of fiber to help keep you full and satisfied. More than twice as much as most other grains.
• A whole grain that is naturally gluten-free.
• High in antioxidants, iron, and magnesium.

How to cook the perfect quinoa for salads

Making the perfect, fluffy quinoa can seem intimidating if you haven’t done it before, but trust me, it’s easier than you think with simple instructions! Get all of my best tips & tricks for cooking quinoa here.

Take a scroll and meal prep a quinoa salad for lunch this week! They’re all super unique and filled with nourishing ingredients. Plenty of vegan & vegetarian options included. If you make any of these easy, healthy quinoa salad recipes, be sure to leave a comment & rating on the recipe so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!

Roasted Carrot Cauliflower Quinoa Salad with Sunshine Dressing

Beautiful roasted carrot cauliflower quinoa salad tossed with fresh herbs, sweet Medjool dates, and salty pistachios. This vegan cauliflower quinoa salad is lightly dressed with a bright sunshine dressing for the perfect plant-based lunch or side dish!

Fiesta Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad

This healthy mango black bean quinoa salad with avocado will be your favorite easy lunch or summer salad to bring to parties. Dressed with a yummy honey chipotle lime dressing for vibrant, bright flavor. It stays good in the fridge for days and can be made ahead of time.

Kale, Edamame & Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Gorgeous kale quinoa salad packed with juicy mango, tomatoes, heart-healthy avocado, and nutty quinoa. This easy kale quinoa salad gets tossed with a light lemon basil vinaigrette for the perfect lunch or party side dish with over 13g of plant-based protein!

Thai-Inspired Chicken Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing in a Jar

Incredible Thai-inspired chicken quinoa salad paired with a sweet & savory peanut dressing! This flavorful Thai-inspired chicken salad is packed with fresh mango, crunchy veggies, cashews, and curry marinated chicken for a delicious meal prep lunch.

Roasted Veggie, Chickpea & Pesto Quinoa Salad

Wonderful pesto quinoa salad tossed with sheet pan roasted vegetables and garlicky chickpeas. This flavorful vegetarian roasted vegetable quinoa salad recipe is packed with protein and is a great make-ahead lunch to enjoy hot or cold!

Chickpea Arugula Quinoa Salad

Fresh, satisfying chickpea arugula quinoa salad packed with 20g of plant-based protein and ready in just 30 minutes. This easy arugula quinoa salad has a lovely lemon vinaigrette and delicious mix-ins like feta cheese, toasted almonds, creamy avocado, and sweet Medjool dates for bursts of flavor and texture in every bite. The perfect filling weekday lunch!

BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Delicious BBQ ranch chicken quinoa bowls loaded with black beans, crunchy red cabbage, sweet corn, tomato, onion, jalapeño, avocado and your choice of creamy ranch dressing. The BBQ chicken for these healthy chicken quinoa bowls can be made in the slow cooker or grilled for the perfect meal prep dinner or lunch!

Balsamic Chicken Berry Quinoa Salad in a Jar

Flavorful chicken berry salad with creamy goat cheese, nutty quinoa, and a sweet & tangy raspberry vinaigrette. This summer chicken berry salad is a great way to use up fresh produce and is packed with protein & healthy fats. Add it to a mason jar or meal prep container for the ultimate meal prep lunch!

Vibrant Curry Cashew Chickpea Quinoa Salad

Vibrant curry cashew chickpea quinoa salad packed with protein, veggies, and delicious flavor from curry powder, fresh ginger, and sweet and spicy maple-glazed cashews. This wonderful vegan curry quinoa salad is easy to make for the perfect meal prep lunch or healthy side dish!

Famous Crunchy Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad {Vegan & Gluten-Free}

Crunchy, flavorful Thai-inspired quinoa salad filled with rainbow veggies and tossed in a creamy peanut ginger dressing. This easy Thai quinoa salad is delicious as-is and great for customizing with your favorite proteins! Perfect for meal prep lunches, picnics or parties. This salad is a crowd-pleaser!

One Pot Moroccan Chickpea Quinoa Salad

Sweet & savory 30-minute Moroccan-inspired chickpea quinoa salad made in one pot. This vegan chickpea quinoa salad recipe packs plenty of plant-based protein, fiber, and delicious, global flavors from cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. The perfect vegetarian meal to prep for lunch!

Avocado Blueberry Quinoa Salad

Beautiful avocado blueberry quinoa salad loaded with fresh corn, red onion, tangy feta, chopped pistachios, and tossed in a flavorful cilantro lime dressing. This delicious vegetarian quinoa salad is packed with plant-based protein and is perfect for summer lunches, parties, and picnics.

If you make any of these easy, healthy quinoa salad recipes, be sure to leave a comment & rating on the recipe so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!