Whether you're craving a refreshing side dish, a protein-packed plant-based dinner, or a meal-prep-friendly option, quinoa salads offer versatility, nutrition, and bold flavors. Plus, they pair well with vegetables, chickpeas, black beans, avocado, kale, broccoli, and apple, making them filling and satisfying while staying fully plant-based.

Why Plant-Based Quinoa Salads are a Great Choice

High in Plant-Based Protein & Fiber – Quinoa is a complete protein and an excellent source of fiber, making these salads nutritious and satisfying.

Easy to Prepare – Cook quinoa in just 15 minutes, mix in fresh ingredients, and you have a flavorful dish ready to enjoy.

Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch ahead of time and store in the fridge for quick lunches and dinners.

Packed with Vitamins & Minerals – Ingredients like broccoli, kale, chickpeas, and apples provide essential nutrients, antioxidants, and heart-healthy benefits.

1. Mediterranean Quinoa Chickpea Salad

A refreshing, protein-rich salad with chickpeas, cucumbers, and a lemon-garlic dressing—perfect for a plant-based dinner or a satisfying lunch.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

• 2 cups water or vegetable broth

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1/2 cucumber, diced

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa in water or broth according to package instructions. Let cool.

2. In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss well, and serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 300
Protein: 11g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 10g

2. Avocado Black Bean Quinoa Salad

This Mexican-inspired plant-based quinoa salad combines avocado, black beans, corn, and lime dressing for a zesty and filling meal.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

• 2 cups water or vegetable broth

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 avocado, diced

• 1/2 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)

• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

• 1/4 cup red onion, diced

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

• Juice of 1 lime

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa in water or broth according to package instructions. Let cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, avocado, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 340
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 44g
Fat: 12g

3. Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad with Maple Dressing

A sweet and savory plant-based quinoa salad featuring crunchy apples, walnuts, and a maple vinaigrette.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

• 2 cups water or vegetable broth

• 1 apple, diced

• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa in water or broth according to package instructions. Let cool.

2. In a bowl, combine quinoa, diced apples, walnuts, cranberries, and green onions.

3. Whisk dressing ingredients together and drizzle over the salad. Toss and serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 310
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 41g
Fat: 12g

4. Roasted Broccoli & Kale Quinoa Salad

This nutrient-dense quinoa salad is packed with fiber, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

• 2 cups water or vegetable broth

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 2 cups kale, chopped

• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

5. Greek-Inspired Plant-Based Quinoa Salad

A flavorful Greek-style quinoa salad with olives, tomatoes, and a tangy dressing.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

• 2 cups water or vegetable broth

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1/2 tsp oregano

• 1/4 tsp salt

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Meal prep ahead of time and portion into individual containers for grab-and-go meals.

Avoid adding dressing until ready to eat for the freshest taste.

These plant-based quinoa salads are perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or healthy lunches. Try one today and enjoy a delicious, nutrient-packed meal with minimal effort!

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