This make-ahead Asian quinoa salad is high in fiber, rich in protein, and quick and easy to prepare, making it the perfect meal prep idea for weekday lunches. So, if you love the idea of a meal prep salad, be sure to give this make-ahead quinoa salad a go!
I love a good salad, but a make-ahead salad is really my jam! I love recipes that you can batch cook and leave in the fridge for days to come so you have ready-to-eat meals whenever you need them. Unfortunately, leafy green salads aren’t the best for this; they get soggy, vegetables lose their texture, and they just aren’t as satisfying as when they are made in the moment. The good news is, grain and legume-based salads are perfect for this! Because of their hearty and dense texture, beans, lentils, and grains hold up very well in the fridge (even when covered with dressing) so you can whip them up without worrying about them spoiling before you get a chance to eat them. Although beans are a very popular choice for make-ahead salads, grains such as farro, millet, rice, and quinoa also work really well, and using quinoa helps to provide some plant-based protein to any meal. Plus, not only are make-ahead salads great as a main course, but can be served up as a side dish, or amped up with little grilled chicken or grilled steak for an extra filling meal.
More Make-Ahead Salads:
- Make-Ahead Three Bean Salad
- Make-Ahead Broccoli & Quinoa Salad
- Make-Ahead Lentil Salad
- Summer Bean Salad
- Mediterranean Orzo Salad
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Make-Ahead Asian Quinoa Salad
This make-ahead Asian quinoa salad is a quick and easy meal prep idea that you can easily store in the fridge for up to 5 days! Whip it up on the weekend and you will have healthy lunches for days to come.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes -
Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings 1x
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Category: Salads
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Cuisine: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
- Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time:
Yield:
Category:
Cuisine:Ingredients
Salad:
- 3/4 cup quinoa, dry
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 cup snow peas, thinly sliced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup cashew, roughly chopped, to serve
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2” inch ginger root, grated
Instructions
- In a small pot, combine quinoa with 3 cups water, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes until quinoa is done. Once cooked, in a fine mesh strainer, strain quinoa to discard all of the water and then run under cold water to cool immediately. Set aside. (I like this method of cooking quinoa, but feel free to cook it any way you like.)
- While the quinoa is cooking prepare the vegetables and the dressing. Grate and chop all of the vegetables, and combine all of the dressing ingredients in a small jar or container and whisk until well combined. Set aside.
- Once the quinoa has cooled completely, in a large bowl combine the quinoa with all of the vegetables, cover with dressing, and toss well to combine.
- Season to taste as desired and top with cashews to serve.
- The salad can be eaten immediately, or stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 495 calories
- Sugar: 9 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 64 grams
- Fiber: 18 grams
- Protein: 19 grams
Keywords: Asian, cold, easy, summer
This was go good. Already looking forward to tomorrow’s lunch. I should have doubled the recipe!
Wonderful, so happy to hear it. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Really tasty and refreshing salad which is beautiful looking. I have made it with quinoa and without quinoa. Wonderful either way.
★★★★★
So happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing, Marilyn!
Perfect for dinner on a warm summer evening with a tandoori chicken thigh accompanying it. Thank you.
★★★★★
A great options for meal prep lunches! This salad holds up in the fridge and is soooo yummy! A refreshing options for weekday lunches, and the dressing is just right! I’ve added this to my regular rotation!
★★★★★
This salad was a crowd pleaser at our cottage!!
★★★★★
I’m so happy you liked it, thank you so much for sharing!
I make a huge bowl and portion out for the week – it’s light and filling. Tastes amazing.
★★★★★
So happy you like it, thanks for sharing, Michelle!