Asian Sesame Quinoa Salad

Asian Sesame Quinoa Salad is a happy meal prep salad with crunchy vegetables and healthy ingredients. Little prep is required for this simple salad that tastes so delicious.

side view of asian sesame quinoa salad on black plate with chopsticks and salad bowl in background

Asian Sesame Quinoa Salad

Crunchy vegetables like red cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper are the healthy base for this simple salad with an Asian sesame flair. If you’re looking for a healthy week of lunches then this simple to prepare salad is perfect for your meal prep plans.

This week I’m cleaning up my diet so I can get back to feeling great and this salad is going to help. Over the weekend I consumed endless amounts of sugary, high-carb, and delicious-but-not-healthy foods. Though it was all worth the indulgence, I now want to enjoy a cleaner diet.

I refer to this recipe as “Asian” because it was inspired by one of my favorite salad dressings from a salad shop in New York City. It’s not authentic but only inspired from.

asian sesame quinoa salad in wooden bowl with wooden spoons on black table

How to Prepare Asian Sesame Quinoa Salad

There are three main easy steps in preparing this salad. First, prepare the quinoa in boiling water. This process takes about 20 minutes start-to-finish. Here is an in-depth guide on how to make quinoa.

Next is the simple step of preparing the vegetables with slicing, chopping, and removing the seeds from the vegetables. Place those along with the quinoa in a large bowl and toss.

Lastly, whisk the sesame dressing ingredients together and pour over the quinoa salad mixture. Toss to evenly distribute the dressing and if meal prepping then place in your prep containers and seal.

close up of asian sesame quinoa salad on black plate and black table

Do You Have to Use Quinoa?

Though this salad is called an Asian sesame quinoa salad, the quinoa is actually not necessary. Easily replace the quinoa with couscous, orzo, or even rice.

asian sesame quinoa salad on black plate and table with chopsticks and sun light from background

If Asian sesame dishes are on your mind then try these recipes:

Here are Even More Great Salad Recipes

Side view of asian sesame quinoa salad on black plate with chopsticks.

Asian Sesame Quinoa Salad

Asian Sesame Quinoa Salad is a happy meal prep salad filled with crunchy vegetables and healthy ingredients. Little prep is required for this simple salad that tastes so delicious.
3.75 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 277kcal
Author: Aimee Mars

Ingredients

Quinoa Salad

  • 1 cup Quinoa
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 cup Red Cabbage sliced in thin strips
  • 1 cup Edamame
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper seeded and chopped
  • 3 Carrots peeled and chopped
  • 1 Cucumber peeled and diced
  • 6 cups Lettuce Leaves

Asian Sesame Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions

Quinoa Salad

  • Place the quinoa and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes and reduce cooking temperature to a low simmer, cover pan and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
  • Add the cooked quinoa to a large bowl with the cabbage, edamame, red pepper, and carrots. Toss to combine all ingredients.

Asian Sesame Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes together. Pour over the quinoa salad and toss to coat.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1salad | Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 566mg | Potassium: 862mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 11579IU | Vitamin C: 65mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 4mg
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About The Author

Aimee Mars

I’m thrilled you’ve stopped by my space here and love to connect with new friends through food. I’ve always felt sharing meals brings people together, which is one of the many reasons I began this site.

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