If you’ve ever tried to convince yourself that a vegan salad is thrilling, this one might actually get you close.
I threw it together on a day when my fridge looked like a graveyard of fresh veggies, and for once, my procrastination paid off—because somehow it turned into one of my go-to quinoa lunch recipes without any real planning.
I’ve tested enough nutritious salad recipes to know many of them taste like punishment, but the crunch here earns real respect.
The vegetarian cabbage gives it attitude, the sesame-soy vibe keeps things lively, and I swear the quinoa makes me feel organized for at least 20 minutes.
It also works perfectly for anyone who loves meal prep recipes in theory but routinely forgets to, well… prep.
Toss it in a container and suddenly you’ve got cold lunch recipes that don’t feel like sad leftovers. And thanks to that bold dressing for quinoa bowl, it somehow tastes even better the next day.
So yes, it sits comfortably in the world of delicious salads, but more importantly: it’s one of those rare quinoa situations that doesn’t require emotional support to enjoy.
Asian Quinoa Salad
EQUIPMENT (PAID LINKS)
- Medium saucepan
- Fork
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup chopped red cabbage
- 1 cup cooked shelled edamame
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Add quinoa, water, and a pinch of salt to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes so the vegetables stay crisp.1 cup quinoa, 2 cups water, 1 pinch salt
- Combine Vegetables: Transfer the slightly cooled quinoa to a large bowl. Add the red cabbage, edamame, bell pepper, carrots, and cucumber, and gently toss to mix.1 cup chopped red cabbage, 1 cup cooked shelled edamame, 1 red bell pepper chopped, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup diced cucumber
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, rice vinegar, green onion, cilantro, sesame seeds, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons chopped green onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, Salt and black pepper to taste
- Dress Salad: Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Eat at room temperature or chilled. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for the best texture.
Asian Quinoa Salad: The “I Swear This Is Effortless” Edition
If you’ve made this salad even once, you already know it has opinions—so here are the tricks that keep it behaving. Think of this as the stuff I wish someone had told me before I learned it the hard way.
Keep the Quinoa From Turning Into Gravel
Quinoa is dramatic. Give it a rinse, let it simmer gently, and don’t fluff it like you’re late for a meeting. Under-cooked quinoa will judge you harder than any dinner guest, so let it take the full time it needs. A little broth instead of water instantly boosts the flavor without adding effort.
Treat the Veggies Like a Fridge Clearance Sale
This salad thrives on whatever crunch you’ve got left from the week. Snap peas, shredded Brussels sprouts, leftover roasted veggies—they all work. If it’s crisp and not questionable, throw it in, and suddenly it looks like you planned an intentional rainbow moment.
The Dressing Is Your Insurance Policy
If the salad tastes flat, it’s not you—it’s the dressing begging for a touch more sesame oil or vinegar. Mix, taste, adjust, repeat. And if you accidentally go overboard? Keep the extra in a jar because future-you will absolutely want it on something else.
Frozen Edamame Is the Hero None of Us Deserve
Toss it in straight from the freezer and let the quinoa cool down for you. No thawing, no planning, no stress. It’s the closest thing to feeling like a cooking genius without actually doing anything.
Meal Prep Without Sadness
This salad lasts beautifully, but cucumbers appreciate being added right before eating if you want the crunch. Store the dressing separately unless you like your greens a bit softer. Meal prep tastes way better when it doesn’t feel like penance.
Add Crunch Like You’re Showing Off
Sesame seeds are solid, but toasted nuts or crispy wonton strips turn this into a whole event. Texture is everything, especially when your dinner is technically a salad. The more crunch, the more it distracts from the fact that you made quinoa again.
