Alright, folks—get ready for a salad that’s as colorful as it is tasty! 🌈 My Tahini Rainbow Quinoa Salad is a burst of fresh flavors and crunchy textures, all tied together with the dreamiest tahini dressing. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but takes no time at all to throw together. Plus, you’ll feel like a pro with all those vibrant veggies on your plate! Whether you need a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad’s got your back. Let’s dive in, shall we?
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1| Bright, Fresh Flavors: The mix of crunchy veggies, sweet orange, and that creamy tahini dressing is a total flavor bomb.
2| Quick & Easy: With just 25 minutes, you’ve got a vibrant, healthy meal ready to go—perfect for those busy days.
3| Super Versatile: You can easily swap out veggies or add your favorite toppings. Want more crunch? Throw in some nuts! Feeling spicy? Add a dash of chili flakes.
4| Nutrient-Packed: Quinoa for protein, rainbow veggies for vitamins, and tahini for a dose of healthy fats—this bowl’s got it all!
5| Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and you’ve got lunch sorted for the next day (just keep the dressing on the side until serving).
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What you’ll need to make
→ Quinoa: This little superfood is the star of the show! It’s packed with protein, gluten-free, and has a nutty flavor that’s perfect for balancing all the fresh veggies.
→ Tahini: If you’ve never used tahini before, get ready to fall in love! It’s made from ground sesame seeds and gives our dressing a rich, creamy texture with a slightly nutty taste.
→ Purple Cabbage: Not only does it bring a pop of color, but it’s also loaded with antioxidants and crunch. Plus, it just makes everything look fancy, right?
→ Orange: A burst of sweetness that complements the savory elements of the salad. Trust me, this citrus twist takes everything to the next level!
→ Nori: A bit of chopped seaweed adds a subtle umami flavor that’s totally unexpected but so delicious. Think of it as a little sushi vibe in your salad!
→ Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous kick. If you’re not a cilantro fan, feel free to swap it with parsley!
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| Ingredients (Serves: 2) |
|---|
| – 3 oz (85g) quinoa, raw |
| – 1/2 cucumber, julienned |
| – 2.3 oz (70g) purple cabbage, shredded |
| – 1 carrot, thinly sliced |
| – 1 orange, peeled, separated segments |
| – 2 tbsp, nori, or 1 nori sheet, chopped |
| – 4 tbsp cilantro leaves, chopped |
| – 1 tsp black sesame seeds, to garnish |
| For the dressing: |
| – 3 tbsp tahini |
| – 1 tbsp maple syrup |
| – 1 tbsp tamari sauce |
| – 1 tbsp lemon juice |
What you’ll need to do
Time required: 25 minutes
1| First up, cook your quinoa. Just follow the instructions on the package—it’s foolproof!
2| While that’s simmering away, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, mix together the tahini, maple syrup, tamari, and lemon juice. If it’s looking a bit thick, add a splash of water until it’s nice and smooth.
3| Now for the fun part—grab a big bowl and toss in your cooked quinoa, cucumber, cabbage, carrot, and orange segments. Throw in the nori and cilantro too. Give it all a good mix.
4| Finally, divide your quinoa goodness between two plates, drizzle that creamy dressing on top, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and boom—you’re done! Time to dig in.
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Some possible substitution and improvisation ideas for the recipe
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Switch Up the Grain: If you’re out of quinoa or just want to mix it up, try using couscous, farro, or bulgur instead. They’ll still give you that lovely texture, but with a different twist!
Veggie Swap: No purple cabbage? No problem! You can swap in spinach, kale, or mixed greens. Bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas are great options too for extra crunch.
Fruit Fun: If oranges aren’t your thing, try using grapefruit, mango, or even pomegranate seeds for that sweet, juicy kick. It adds a fun burst of color, too!
Protein Boost: Want to bulk it up a bit? Toss in some grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas. They’ll make the salad even heartier without sacrificing the freshness.
Go Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds on top for extra crunch and added healthy fats.
Herb Alternatives: If cilantro’s not your jam (I get it, it’s a love-or-hate thing!), go with fresh parsley, mint, or basil for a different but equally fresh vibe.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes, Sriracha, or even a dash of curry powder to the dressing if you’re craving a little heat or extra flavor.
These easy tweaks let you make the salad your own, based on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re feeling!
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Some useful tips for the recipe
1| Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating (called saponin). This helps get rid of any bitterness and leaves you with fluffier, tastier grains.
2| Make Extra Dressing: The tahini dressing is the real star here, so I always make a little extra. It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week and works great drizzled over roasted veggies, grain bowls, or even as a dip!
3| Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, cook the quinoa and chop the veggies ahead of time. Keep everything stored separately in the fridge, then toss it all together with the dressing when you’re ready to eat.
4| Massage Your Greens: If you’re using kale or any tougher greens in place of cabbage, give them a quick massage with a little olive oil or lemon juice to soften them up and make them more tender.
5| Chill the Salad: For a more refreshing bite, pop the salad in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving. The flavors meld together, and it tastes even better when chilled!
6| Customize the Texture: If you prefer your salad with more crunch, keep the veggies in larger pieces. If you like a finer texture, you can shred them even smaller. Totally up to you!
These tips will make sure your salad turns out perfectly every time!
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Some serving suggestions
1| Light Lunch: Serve it as is for a quick, refreshing lunch. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for when you want something healthy but not too heavy.
2| Power Bowl: Turn it into a power bowl by adding some grilled chicken, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. You can even throw in some avocado for creaminess!
3| Stuffed Wrap: Wrap the salad in a whole wheat tortilla or collard greens for a portable, on-the-go meal. Add a little extra dressing for a flavorful wrap that won’t disappoint.
4| Side Dish: Pair it as a side with grilled fish, chicken, or a veggie burger. The fresh, tangy flavors work great alongside just about anything off the grill.
5| Party Platter: Serve it as part of a salad spread at a picnic, BBQ, or potluck. It holds up well and will add a pop of color to the table. Trust me, it’ll be a crowd-pleaser!
6| Add Crunch: For a fun textural contrast, serve it with some crispy pita chips, toasted bread, or even sprinkle on some roasted chickpeas.
These serving ideas will let you enjoy the salad in different ways, depending on your mood or occasion!
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Some storage suggestions
1| Airtight Containers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents it from absorbing other odors. Glass containers work great, but any airtight option will do!
2| Separate the Dressing: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, keep the tahini dressing in a separate container. This prevents the salad from getting soggy and lets you dress it just before serving.
3| Use Mason Jars: For a fun and portable option, layer the salad ingredients in mason jars. Start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by quinoa, veggies, and greens on top. Just shake it up when you’re ready to eat!
4| Freezing: While quinoa salads don’t freeze well due to the fresh veggies, you can freeze the cooked quinoa separately. Thaw it and mix it with fresh veggies and dressing later.
5| Keep Fresh Herbs Fresh: If you have extra cilantro or herbs, store them in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the fridge. This keeps them fresh longer for your next salad!
These storage tips will help keep your salad fresh and delicious for days!
Try my other salad recipes, here.
And there you have it—one bright and beautiful salad ready to enjoy! I love how easy this Tahini Rainbow Quinoa Salad is to whip up, yet it feels like something special. Whether you’re meal prepping or just want something fresh, this recipe is a winner. Plus, you can totally customize it with whatever veggies you have lying around. Hope you give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving it on repeat. Let me know how it goes—happy salad-making!
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Recipe Card
Tahini Rainbow Quinoa Salad
This quinoa salad is a flavor explosion! 🥗🌟 Tangy citrus, crisp veggies, and a nutty tahini dressing come together in no time. It’s a colorful, feel-good meal that’ll brighten up your day!
Ingredients
For the dressing
Instructions
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Step 1:
Cook the quinoa according to instructions on the packaging.
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Step 2:
Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl, adding some water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency. Place the cooked quinoa, vegetables and orange into a large bowl. Add the nori and cilantro and toss to combine.
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Step 3:
Divide equally between 2 plates, drizzle over with dressing, garnish with sesame seeds and serve.
