This healthy Asian Quinoa Salad is so easy to make and has a delicious Asian Dressing. Gluten-free and vegan, this Asian Quinoa Recipe will soon become a favorite that you will make time and again.
In my last post, I shared my Asian Salad Dressing recipe. Today, I've got an Asian Quinoa Salad that is perfect for it!
This is such a simple and easy to make salad, and also one you will find yourself craving. I started making this salad over six years ago and still love it. I love the texture from the sesame seeds and cashews, along with the kick of sweetness from the oranges and cranberries. It is just perfect for this time of year when I am trying to lighten things up.
I used to make it with spinach, which I love.
These days, I like to make it with kale, since kale holds up so well even after you have tossed it with the dressing. I don't know about you, but there are some days where I need something that is grab and go and this Asian Salad Recipe fits the bill. (Yes, I even go ahead and add the sesame seeds and cashews sometimes. As long as you aren't planning on keeping it for days it works just fine.)
I use mandarin oranges when oranges aren't in season, but I especially love this salad with fresh orange segments. This time of year, I can usually find small oranges at the grocery store, but then I live in Florida and I know not everyone can find them.
Variations on this Asian Quinoa Salad - Asian Salad Ingredients to Try:
- Use cilantro instead of parsley
- Add avocado just before serving
- Add julienned carrots, napa cabbage and/or bean sprouts
- Substitute peanuts or almonds for the cashews
Tools Needed to Make This Asian Quinoa Salad:
Asian Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 cups kale or Spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup Mandarin oranges drained
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup Asian Salad Dressing more or less to taste
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons cashews
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine quinoa, kale, oranges, cranberries, green onions and parsley.
- Toss with dressing and top with sesame seeds and cashews.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled. Drizzle with additional dressing if desired.
Nutrition
Alli Smith
I can definitely see myself craving this colorful salad. After all the heavy holiday foods, I'm ready for fresh salads like this. Looks delicious.
Jenny Finney
This looks so good! I've never used kale in a salad....I guess I thought it would taste bitter, but I am a huge fan of cranberries and fruit, along with nuts, in my salad. This type of salad is my favorite!
candy
We have been eating so many heavy meals lately that fixing this asian salad would be a wonderful change of pace. Looks light and delicious.
Dina Demarest
This asian quinoa salad looks amazing. I will have to make it this weekend for the family.
Pam
This salad looks so refreshing. I need to eat a salad after this holiday indulging I have been doing.
Amber Myers
This is the kind of salad I really enjoy! I'll be making this soon for lunch. I do love my oranges.
Sara Welch
I would really love to try this! I have always enjoyed Asian salads.
Ricci
I am quinoa obsessed and I need to try this salad ASAP! It sounds so good and looks so pretty!!
Sandy N Vyjay
The salad looks so healthy as well as yummy. TheQuinoa of course is such a healthy ingredient. Would love to make this salad.
Heather
This looks so good! I just pinned it! I love all the texture too, and I love tangerine slices in it.
Tami
I have yet to try quinoa. This salad looks like the perfect way to give it a taste.
Angie
YUM, this looks really tasty. I'm a fan of asian flavors in general, but quinoa would make it even better.
Farrah Less G.
This salad is so colorful and looks tasty my kinda of everyday meal. Trying to be a healthy eater nowadays.
anosa
I love quinoa! I recently Made a salad, it wasn't as yummy looking and filling as yours. I may have to try yours and switch the oranges for apples or something.
Marysa
This looks yummy, and hearty too for a salad. I have just recently begun to use quinoa in dishes, so it is nice to have some more ideas. I like how the kale holds up in this salad too.
David Elliott
This salad does look so nice and refreshing. I do love Asian salads and those Mandarin wedges do look amazing. I will have to be trying this out soon.