This tangy Asian Quinoa Salad is fresh, delicious and can be thrown together in minutes. The Asian inspired dressing can be made with organic soya sauce, or you can use Tamari to make this a yummy gluten free salad. I love to bring Asian Quinoa Salad to potlucks because you can whip it up in under 30 minutes and it is always a crowd pleaser.

Health Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa was a staple food for the Incas and Aztecs warriors thousands of years ago but it has only recently made a comeback in the health food world. It is a complete protein which means that it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a great protein source for vegetarians and vegans. Quinoa is a concentrated source of dietary iron which is important in energy production, metabolism and oxygen transport. It also contains magnesium (relaxes blood vessels), manganese and copper (protects the body from free radicals and supports bone density) and fibre (reduced LDL, aka ‘bad’ cholesterol). For more quinoa recipes check out my Mediterranean Quinoa Salad and Breakfast Quinoa recipes.

Asian Quinoa Salad Video

Check out the video to see how quick and easy it is to make!

Asian Quinoa Salad

(gluten free, vegan)

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time:  15 minutes

Serving size: 4-6 sides

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked Quinoa
• 1 cup organic edamame beans (no pods)
• 1/8th of a small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, diced

Dressing:

• 3 Tbsp Tamari
• 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa as directed on the package.
2. Steam edamame until soft, as directed on package.
3. Whisk together all dressing ingredients at the bottom of the salad bowl.
4. Add all remaining ingredients and toss till mixed. Serve Asian Quinoa Salad warm or chilled.

Quinoa recipes are popping up all over the place from blogs to high-end restaurants. Share your favourite quinoa salad recipe in the comments section.