Vegan Quinoa Salad

Source

https://lovingitvegan.com/quinoa-salad/

Ingredients

Quinoa Salad

  • 170g uncooked quinoa (makes ~3 cups cooked)
  • 480ml water, for cooking quinoa
  • 3 cups shredded romaine lettuce
  • 2 small cucumbers, sliced
  • 16 green olives, pitted and halved
  • 16 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 medium avocados, peeled and sliced
  • ½ small fresh lime, squeezed (~15ml / 1 Tbsp juice)
  • 15g chives, chopped (~¼ cup)

Sesame Soy Dressing

  • 15ml sesame oil (1 Tbsp) — toasted sesame oil preferred
  • 30ml soy sauce (2 Tbsp)
  • 30ml maple syrup (2 Tbsp)
  • 1 tsp crushed garlic

Decoration

  • Sliced avocado
  • Fresh lime
  • Sprinkle dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa: Add 170g quinoa + 480ml water to a pot. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, simmer ~15 min until tender and water absorbed. Fluff with fork.
  2. Add cooked quinoa to a large salad bowl along with lettuce, cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, bell pepper, and avocado. Toss.
  3. Squeeze lime juice over the top. Add chives. Toss again.
  4. Dressing: Whisk sesame oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, and crushed garlic in a bowl.
  5. Pour dressing over salad. Mix in.
  6. Garnish with sliced avocado, fresh lime wedges, and a sprinkle of oregano.

Tips & Notes

  • Very filling — quinoa + avocado makes this a substantial meal.
  • Keeps 2–3 days fridge if you keep avocado and dressing separate until serving.
  • Toasted sesame oil is best but regular sesame oil works.
  • Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Prep time includes cooking quinoa (~15 min) — chop veggies while it simmers.

Tags

recipe, vegan, salad, quinoa, main