Crispy Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing

This Crispy Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing is crunchy, fresh, and so satisfying. Crispy golden quinoa, creamy peanut dressing, and crisp veggies come together in one bowl — simple, flavorful, and seriously hard to stop eating.

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings servings

Calories 429kcal

Author Julia Maz

Ingredients

For the quinoa

2 cups cooked quinoa
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp salt or to taste

For the salad

1 large cucumber, chopped
1 large avocado, diced
4 green onions, chopped
1 cup cooked edamame

For the peanut dressing

⅓ cup peanut butter
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp lime juice
3 tbsp warm water

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Spread the cooked quinoa on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, toss to combine, then spread it out evenly and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–40 minutes, stirring a few times, until golden and crispy.
2 cups cooked quinoa, 1 tbsp olive oil, ¼ tsp salt
Add the chopped cucumber, diced avocado, chopped green onions, cooked edamame, and crispy quinoa to a large bowl.
1 large cucumber, chopped, 1 large avocado, diced, 4 green onions, chopped, 1 cup cooked edamame
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, and warm water until smooth and creamy.
⅓ cup peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 tbsp warm water
Pour the dressing over the salad, gently toss to combine, and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

🔀 Recipe Variations

🥦 Add more veggies
Throw in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even some cabbage for extra crunch and color.

🌿 Switch up the herbs
Fresh cilantro or parsley can add a bright, fresh touch to the salad.

🌶️ Add a little heat
A drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes gives the dressing a nice kick.

🥜 Make it extra nutty
Add chopped peanuts or cashews on top for even more crunch and flavor.

🫙 Storage & Make-Ahead

🧊 Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best when the quinoa is still crispy, but it will still taste great even after chilling. For the best texture, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.

⏳ Make-ahead tip

You can prepare the quinoa and dressing ahead of time and store them separately. Chop the veggies fresh and toss everything together right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition