This easy sesame quinoa salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of red cabbage, carrots, and quinoa creates a delightful mix of colors and textures, while the sesame honey vinaigrette adds a touch of sweetness and tang.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in your pantry. Make sure to pick up quinoa, red cabbage, rice wine vinegar, and sesame seeds during your supermarket trip.
Ingredients For Easy Sesame Quinoa Salad
red cabbage: Adds a vibrant color and crunch to the salad.
quinoa: A protein-rich grain that forms the base of the salad.
carrots: Adds sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
green onions: Provides a mild onion flavor that complements other ingredients.
slivered or sliced almonds: Adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
sesame seeds: Enhances the salad with a subtle nutty taste.
vegetable oil: Forms the base of the vinaigrette, providing a smooth consistency.
rice wine vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor to balance the sweetness of the honey.
honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally.
soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the vinaigrette.
sesame oil: Gives a rich, nutty, and aromatic taste to the dressing.
salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
black pepper: Adds a slight kick and complements other flavors in the salad.
One reader, Eli Fultz says:
This easy sesame quinoa salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The sesame honey vinaigrette adds a perfect touch of sweetness, while the crunchy almonds and fresh veggies make it incredibly satisfying. A healthy, delicious option for any meal!
Key Techniques for Making Sesame Quinoa Salad
Yes.
How to cook quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Combine 2 cups of quinoa with 4 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
How to shred cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to thinly slice the cabbage into shreds.
How to julienne carrots: Peel the carrots. Cut them into 2-3 inch sections. Slice each section lengthwise into thin planks, then stack the planks and cut them into thin matchsticks.
How to toast almonds: Place the slivered or sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
How to make sesame honey vinaigrette: Whisk together vegetable oil, rice wine vinegar, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until well combined.
How To Make Easy Sesame Quinoa Salad
Savor the bright flavors of this quinoa salad tossed with red cabbage, carrots, and toasted almonds in a sesame honey vinaigrette.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
- 16ozred cabbage,(1 bag), shredded, or about 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 2cupsquinoa,cooked
- 2cupscarrots,shredded
- ⅔cupgreen onions,thinly sliced
- ½cupslivered or sliced almonds,toasted
- 2tbspsesame seeds
For the Sesame Honey Vinaigrette:
- ⅓cupvegetable oil,or any cooking oil
- 3tbsprice wine vinegar
- 1tbsphoney,or agave, to make this vegan
- 1tspsoy sauce
- ⅛tspsesame oil
- pinchsalt and black pepper
Instructions
-
Toss all ingredients together until combined. Serve immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 day.
-
Whisk all ingredients together until combined.
Nutrition
- Calories: 329.04kcal
- Fat: 16.17g
- Saturated Fat: 1.33g
- Trans Fat: 0.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.69g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.32g
- Carbohydrates: 39.26g
- Fiber: 6.36g
- Sugar: 6.23g
- Protein: 8.98g
- Sodium: 383.25mg
- Calcium: 102.04mg
- Potassium: 561.30mg
- Iron: 3.22mg
- Vitamin A: 291.15µg
- Vitamin C: 35.70mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Sesame Quinoa Salad
When preparing the quinoa, rinse it thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy. Cook the quinoa in a 1:2 ratio with water (1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water) and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes off the heat to ensure it fluffs up nicely.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Quinoa Salad Recipe
Pre-cook the quinoa: Cook the quinoa in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time when assembling the salad.
Use pre-shredded vegetables: Buy pre-shredded red cabbage and carrots to cut down on prep time.
Toast the almonds: Toast the almonds and sesame seeds ahead of time for added flavor and convenience.
Make the vinaigrette in bulk: Prepare a larger batch of the sesame honey vinaigrette and store it in the fridge for future use.
Chop green onions in advance: Chop the green onions and store them in an airtight container to save time on the day of preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Sesame Quinoa Salad Recipe
red cabbage - Substitute with green cabbage: Green cabbage has a similar texture and crunch, though it lacks the vibrant color of red cabbage.
quinoa - Substitute with couscous: Couscous has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative to quinoa.
carrots - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers provide a similar crunch and a sweet flavor that complements the salad.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor that can replace green onions in most dishes.
slivered or sliced almonds - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a good alternative to almonds.
sesame seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds offer a similar texture and nutritional benefits, though they have a slightly different flavor.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier option with a rich flavor that works well in vinaigrettes.
rice wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can provide a slightly fruity flavor.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and can be used as a natural sweetener.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a nutty flavor that can mimic the taste of sesame oil in small quantities.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of salinity with a slightly different mineral profile.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Sesame Quinoa Salad
Use a ring mold for plating: Place a ring mold on the center of the plate and fill it with the quinoa and slaw mixture. Press down gently to compact it, then carefully lift the mold to leave a neat, cylindrical shape.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions and a few whole leaves of fresh cilantro or parsley around the plate for a burst of color and freshness.
Drizzle the vinaigrette artistically: Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle the sesame honey vinaigrette in a zigzag or circular pattern around the quinoa salad, ensuring even distribution and visual appeal.
Add a crunch element: Lightly toast additional slivered almonds and sesame seeds and sprinkle them over the top of the salad for added texture and a nutty flavor.
Use contrasting plate colors: Serve the salad on a white or light-colored plate to make the vibrant colors of the red cabbage and carrots pop, enhancing the visual appeal.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, around the plate to add a touch of elegance and a pop of color.
Serve with a side of crispy wonton strips: Arrange a few crispy wonton strips on the side of the plate to add an additional texture and complement the Asian-inspired flavors of the sesame honey vinaigrette.
Highlight the sesame seeds: Create a small pile of sesame seeds on one side of the plate to emphasize their presence in the dish and add a visual focal point.
Use microgreens for a finishing touch: Top the salad with a small handful of microgreens, such as radish or arugula, to add a delicate, fresh element and enhance the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Quinoa Salad
Knife: To finely shred the red cabbage and julienne the carrots.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of quinoa, almonds, and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: For precise measurement of sesame seeds, honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Large mixing bowl: To toss all the slaw ingredients together.
Small mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking together the sesame honey vinaigrette.
Whisk: To combine the vinaigrette ingredients smoothly.
Saucepan: To cook the quinoa.
Strainer: To rinse and drain the quinoa after cooking.
Spatula: For mixing the salad ingredients thoroughly.
Sealed container: For storing the salad if not serving immediately.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Sesame Quinoa Salad
To store the quinoa salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, cook the quinoa and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and mix them together with the dressing just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness and crunch.
For longer storage, you can freeze the quinoa salad. However, keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat the frozen salad, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. You may need to drain any excess liquid and refresh the salad with a little extra dressing before serving.
If you plan to freeze the salad, it's best to leave out the almonds and sesame seeds and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Interesting Fact About Sesame Quinoa Salad
A random fact about this recipe is that quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. This makes the salad not only delicious but also highly nutritious, providing a balanced source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
Is Making Quinoa Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
The easy sesame quinoa salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like red cabbage, quinoa, and carrots are affordable and can be bought in bulk. The sesame seeds and almonds add a bit of cost but are used in small quantities. The sesame honey vinaigrette uses common pantry items like vegetable oil and soy sauce. Overall, this recipe would cost approximately $12-15 for a household of 4 people. Given its nutritional value and flavor, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10.
Is This Sesame Quinoa Salad Healthy?
This sesame quinoa salad recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. Here's why:
- Quinoa is a protein-rich pseudocereal that provides essential amino acids and fiber
- Red cabbage is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting overall health
- Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which supports eye health and immune function
- Green onions add flavor and contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation
- Almonds provide healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, contributing to heart health
- Sesame seeds are rich in lignans, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
The sesame honey vinaigrette is made with healthier ingredients like rice wine vinegar, honey, and sesame oil, which offer benefits such as improved digestion and potential anti-inflammatory effects.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a higher ratio of vegetables to quinoa to increase the nutrient density and fiber content of the dish
- Replace the vegetable oil with a healthier option like avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil, which are rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
- Reduce the amount of honey in the vinaigrette to lower the overall sugar content, or substitute it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract
- Add more variety to the salad by incorporating other nutrient-dense ingredients such as edamame, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes
- Experiment with different types of nuts and seeds, like walnuts or pumpkin seeds, to provide a wider range of nutrients and healthy fats
Editor's Opinion on This Sesame Quinoa Salad
This sesame quinoa salad recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The crunch of red cabbage and carrots pairs beautifully with the nutty quinoa and almonds. The sesame seeds add a subtle depth, while the green onions provide a fresh bite. The sesame honey vinaigrette is well-balanced, offering a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. It's a versatile dish that can be served immediately or prepared in advance, making it ideal for busy schedules. Overall, it's a nutritious and satisfying option for a light lunch or a side dish.
Enhance Your Easy Sesame Quinoa Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Quinoa Salad
Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for a Quinoa Salad Menu
Why trust this Easy Sesame Quinoa Salad Recipe:
This easy sesame quinoa salad recipe is a perfect blend of crunchy vegetables, nutty quinoa, and a tangy sesame honey vinaigrette. The red cabbage and carrots provide a vibrant color and fresh taste, while the green onions and almonds add a delightful crunch. The sesame seeds enhance the nutty flavor, making it a wholesome and satisfying dish. The vinaigrette is a simple yet flavorful mix of vegetable oil, rice wine vinegar, honey, and soy sauce, ensuring a balanced taste. Trust this recipe for its simplicity, nutritional value, and deliciousness.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Zesty Quinoa Salad Recipe
Legume and Quinoa Salad Recipe
Charred baby aubergine & toasted quinoa salad Recipe
Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs Recipe
Cucumber And Yogurt Farro Salad Recipe
Easy Cochinita Pibil (Mexican Pulled Pork) Recipe
Homemade Muesli Recipe
Easy Breakfast Tacos Recipe
Flourless Muesli Muffins Recipe
Easy Saltwater Taffy Recipe
One-Pan Miso Honey Salmon Recipe
