Quinoa salads are typically known to be hearty, grain-based dishes that hold up well to dressings – and we love them for it. But sometimes, especially when the weather is warm and the air smells like spring, we find ourselves craving something full of fresh, delicate leafy greens instead. These light yet nutritious and flavorful springtime salads beautifully combine the best of both worlds:
Kale, Fennel and Citrus Quinoa Salad, Wendy at Fit-and-Frugal.com for Ancient Harvest (pictured)
Highlight your final winter harvest by pairing fresh fennel and oranges with bright baby kale and Ancient Harvest quinoa (Inca Red provides lovely color, but any of our grains will do.) Sliced almonds add a nice crunch, and the accompanying orange vinaigrette really ties the whole thing together.
Warm Cauliflower & Quinoa Salad, Savoury Cellar
Perfect for those cool spring days when the sky’s less than sunny, this salad can be enjoyed either warm or cold. Quinoa and cauliflower create a sturdy foundation upon which sliced kalamata olives, edamame, green onions and generous bunches of fresh flat-leaf parsley offer contrasting textures, flavors and colors.
Pink Quinoa Salad with Walnuts, Claire K Creations
And speaking of color… This gorgeous salad owes its vibrant hue to springtime beets. Meanwhile, crunchy walnuts, finely chopped carrots and bell peppers, and fresh, green spinach leaves make this dish as appealing to the palate as it is to the eye.
Warm Kale, Quinoa & Broccoli Salad with Cider Mustard Dressing, Happy Hearted Kitchen
Another salad that can be enjoyed at any temperature, this one is full of bright green flavors and crunchy textures. Broccoli florets and kale take the place of traditional lettuce, while savory dressing and toasted seeds (the recipe calls for both sunflower and pumpkin) take things to the next level.
Spinach Salad with Quinoa, Pomegranate and Persimmons, Wendy at Fit-and-Frugal.com for Ancient Harvest
This salad has all the bases covered: It’s got Ancient Harvest White Traditional Quinoa Grains, fresh greens, juicy fruit, crunchy walnuts and pomegranate seeds, and creamy, crumbled goat cheese. At once light and hearty, it’s the ultimate springtime salad.
Artichoke and Feta Quinoa Salad, Amuse Your Bouche
What says “springtime” better than artichokes? The seasonal vegetable pairs with cooked quinoa, salty feta cheese and fresh arugula (another favorite ingredient this time of year) to create the perfect light lunch or dinner – in only a few minutes.
Got another great quinoa salad recipe? We’d love to hear it. Submit your original recipes and find new culinary inspiration on our recipes page at AncientHarvest.com.
