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    Home » Diet » Gluten Free Recipes

    Crunchy Quinoa Salad - Vegan, Gluten Free

    Published: Oct 4, 2021 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Dec 7, 2022 · 648 words. · About 4 minutes to read this article. This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

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    If you are craving a meal that will fuel your body and delight your senses, you will love this Crunchy Quinoa Salad. This vegan salad is all about the texture. I love it's crunchy, nutty, seedy goodness, and I think you will too!

    Close up photo of a white bowl with crunchy quinoa salad.

    If you love salads as much as I do, this crunchy quinoa salad recipe deserves a place in your meal prep routine.

    It is delicious and enjoyable by itself and also works great in a wrap.

    Since it holds well dressed for a couple of days, it's a great make-ahead lunch. It is also one of my favorite gluten-free side dishes.

    Ingredients for Making Crunchy Quinoa Salad Recipe

    Quinoa: Since this salad is all about texture, you can use any color of cooked quinoa that you like. Need help cooking it? Here is how to cook quinoa on the stovetop, rice cooker, or instant pot.

    Sprouts: I used lentil sprouts here, but really any sprouts will work. I do like the crunchy factor the lentil sprouts add. If you want to give it a try, here is how to sprout lentils. Otherwise, feel free to use whatever sprouts you can find at your grocery store.

    Carrot:  To save time, you can buy pre-grated carrots.

    Scallions: Use the white and green parts of the green onion.

    Sunflower Seeds:  If you prefer, pumpkin seeds are also a good option.

    Almonds:  Want to take flavors to the next level? Use these Spiced Almonds. 

    Variations

    • Changing up the flavor profile is as simple as changing the dressing. Make a crunchy thai quinoa salad by using the dressing from this Thai Chicken Salad or this Thai Quinoa Salad.
    • For more protein, add chickpeas, black beans, or white beans.
    • Add shredded cabbage for even more texture.
    • I like to let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes after it has been tossed before eating to allow the favors to combine.

    How Far Ahead Can You Toss Quinoa Salad with Dressing?

    You can toss quinoa salad about four days ahead of time, but you can expect certain elements, like the nuts, to loose a little bit of crunch.

    Storage

    Store this salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

    Leftovers may be served chilled or at room temperature.

    How to Make Crunchy Quinoa Salad

    This recipe couldn't be easier to make!

    Just place the cooked quinoa, sprouts, carrot, scallions, sunflower seeds, and almonds in a bowl.

    Toss with the desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette and enjoy!

    Photo of crunchy quinoa salad with jars of almonds, sprouts, and sunflower seeds behind it.

    More Vegan Recipes to Try

    • Apple Quinoa Breakfast Muffins make a delicious and nutritious start to your day!
    • Instant Pot Red Potato Salad is light and refreshing. With a punchy lemon dressing, this is nothing like the mayo-heavy potato salad recipes you are accustomed to.
    • Give this Mexican Quinoa Salad a try and it is sure to become one of your favorite lunch recipes.
    • Looking to liven up your salad game? Give this Tomato Vinaigrette a try.
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    Square close up image of a crunchy quinoa salad in a white bowl.
    Print Recipe
    4.89 from 9 votes

    Crunchy Quinoa Salad

    This Crunchy Quinoa Salad is loaded with texture and flavor. This vegan salad recipe is one the whole family will love. Delicious and Nutritious!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: Healthy
    Keyword: salad
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 193kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi

    Ingredients

    Salad

    • ¾ cup cooked Quinoa
    • ¾ cup lentil sprouts or sprouts of choice
    • 1 cup grated carrot
    • 2 scallions sliced thin
    • ⅓ cup sunflower seeds
    • ⅓ cup roasted almonds chopped
    • 1 recipe balsamic vinaigrette dressing or desired amount

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl combine quinoa, sprouts, carrot, scallions, sunflower seeds, and almonds.
    • Toss with dressing and season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Notes

    Nutritional information does not include dressing to allow you to adjust for the actual amount used.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 5423IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 2mg

    If You Like This Crunchy Quinoa Salad You May Also Like:

    • How to Cook Quinoa
    • Chicken and Quinoa Salad
    • Quinoa Nutrition Facts
    • Instant Pot Quinoa
    • How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker

    Filed Under:

    FavoritesGluten Free RecipesQuinoa RecipesSalad RecipesVegan RecipesVegetarian Recipes

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    About Wendy Polisi

    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Rating




    1. Tamara Ko

      July 11, 2016 at 2:47 am

      Can the crunchy quinoa salad be used for the Fast Metabolism diet? I found it on pinterest on a phase three FMD page...thanks!

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        July 12, 2017 at 8:34 pm

        5 stars
        I am not familiar with that plan, sorry!

        Reply
    2. Melissa Chapman

      July 13, 2017 at 6:49 pm

      4 stars
      I go through different phases and quinoa was one of them. I will try this recipe during my next quinoa phase. This dish looks like it is one my kids would like.

      Reply
    3. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle

      July 13, 2017 at 7:14 pm

      5 stars
      That looks so good! I love all the flavors and textures, and I LOVE all the health benefits.

      Reply
    4. Marcie W.

      July 13, 2017 at 9:27 pm

      5 stars
      Tasty and totally full of deliciousness! I eat a primarily plant based diet and quinoa plays a very important role in my protein intake, so learning new ways to cook and enjoy it is always appreciated.

      Reply
    5. Pqm

      July 13, 2017 at 10:28 pm

      I love a good salad recipe. The most important part of any recipe to me is the taste. With all the different textures, this one is going to taste awesome.

      Reply
    6. Liz Mays

      July 14, 2017 at 12:00 am

      I'm really liking the sound of those almonds and sunflower seeds mixed in with the veggies and quinoa. This sounds like a really good meal.

      Reply
    7. Monica

      July 14, 2017 at 12:01 am

      5 stars
      Love quinoa and my recipes have been so repetitive lately that I've been loosing interest. This looks SO GOOD!

      Reply
    8. Joyce Brewer

      July 14, 2017 at 1:36 am

      I wonder how long this salad would last in the fridge. I'm working on preparing meals ahead!

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        July 14, 2017 at 10:34 am

        I would say three or four days.

        Reply
    9. Veronica Solomon

      July 14, 2017 at 3:02 am

      Love the salads. They look so delicious. The photography is great too

      Reply
    10. Amy @ Marvelous Mommy

      July 14, 2017 at 2:56 pm

      5 stars
      I just bought everything to make this! It looks like a yummy lunch!

      Reply
    11. Shannon Gurnee

      July 14, 2017 at 7:15 pm

      I've only had Quinoa once and really liked it. This sounds like a yummy salad! I definitely wanna try this out sometime.

      Reply
    12. Mary Edwards

      July 15, 2017 at 1:07 am

      5 stars
      I tried Quinoa years ago and absolutely hated it. HOWEVER, I found out recently it was cooked WRONG - so I tried it again and LOVE it so much. This type of recipe is PERFECT for my daughtre and I (both vegan) thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    13. AnnMarie John

      July 15, 2017 at 2:13 am

      I love a little crunch on my salad and this sounds so good! I felt the same way when I was pregnant with my youngest! Kids can be a little mean, lol. I think this recipe is a must try though! It looks so good!

      Reply
    14. Rosey

      July 15, 2017 at 3:01 am

      Kids are silly, aren't they? 🙂 The crunchiness appeals to me in the salad. We do enjoy reading about different ways to make quinoa.

      Reply
    15. chei

      July 15, 2017 at 3:13 am

      I just got hungry seeing those salad pics. I love to try Thai Chicken Salad. Am sure my family will love it. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        July 16, 2017 at 6:36 pm

        Thanks so much. The Thai Salad is definitely a fav.

        Reply
    16. Eileen

      July 16, 2017 at 5:55 pm

      5 stars
      Reading through the ingredient list was enough to convince me to make this salad. I am loving all the different tastes and textures. The sunflower seeds and chopped roasted almonds would really make this salad a winner!

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        July 16, 2017 at 6:35 pm

        I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

        Reply

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    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

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