This crispy Quinoa Salad recipe is a fresh and colorful dish that combines crunchy textures with bright, zesty flavors. It is naturally vegan and perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The star of the dish is the crispy quinoa, which adds a satisfying crunch and makes the salad stand out. Combined with fresh vegetables and a tangy grapefruit dressing, it becomes a balanced and flavorful meal.
This crispy quinoa salad is my new favorite way to eat quinoa. To be honest, I was never a big fan, but this salad changed everything. The crunch and the bold dressing completely transform the grain into something exciting and delicious.
To make the crispy quinoa, you cook quinoa until fluffy, then bake or pan-fry it with olive oil, tamari, and a touch of sriracha. The result is golden, crunchy quinoa that holds its texture even when mixed with vegetables. It adds protein and heartiness while keeping the salad light.
The vegetables bring freshness and variety. Arugula gives a peppery note, while carrots, cucumbers, and celery add crunch. Creamy avocado balances the sharpness of red onion, which is softened with lemon juice and salt. Toasted sesame seeds give extra nuttiness and depth.
The dressing ties everything together. Grapefruit juice creates a citrusy base, sesame oil adds richness, tamari gives umami, and grated ginger brings warmth. The flavors are bold but refreshing, making the salad both satisfying and energizing.
Crispy Quinoa Salad is versatile and easy to prepare. You can make the quinoa ahead of time and keep it crispy for quick assembly. This recipe is proof that quinoa can be exciting, flavorful, and crave-worthy when done right.
CRISPY QUINOA SALAD
Ingredients
For the crispy quinoa:
- 1 cup quinoa washed thoroughly
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce optional
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamar
For the salad:
- 100g 3.5 oz arugula or other leafy greens
- 2 carrots peeled and chopped into very small cubes
- 2 small cucumbers or 1 large, peeled and chopped into cubes
- 1/2 avocado chopped into cubes
- 1/2 red onion marinated in lemon juice and salt to soften
- 2 stalks celery chopped into small cubes
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds black and white
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup grapefruit juice
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
Instructions
- Cook quinoa with water until fluffy. Let cool or use leftover quinoa.
- Spread quinoa on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, sriracha, and tamari. Bake at 180°C / 395°F until crispy, stirring a few times. Alternatively, crisp it in a non-stick pan on the stovetop.
- Prepare the dressing by mixing grapefruit juice, sesame oil, tamari, and grated ginger.
- Add arugula, carrots, cucumbers, avocado, onion, celery, and sesame seeds to a large bowl.
- Top with crispy quinoa, saving some for garnish. Pour over the dressing and mix well.
- Finish with extra crispy quinoa on top and serve immediately.