18 Delicious Quinoa Salad Recipes to take to your Next Potluck

· · · · ·
byJanice Smith, B.Sc. Kinesiology updated on:

Let’s go keen-wah crazy with this tasty round-up of easy quinoa salad recipes to take to your next potluck! These delicious quinoa salad recipes are gloriously gluten-free with lots of vegetarian options too.

Collage of quinoa salad recipes for potlucks. Text: 17 Delicious Quinoa Salad Recipes to Take to Your Next Potluck.

NOTE: This post contains some links to Amazon, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase from Amazon at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support!

Let’s go keen-wah crazy with this tasty round-up of easy quinoa salad recipes to take to your next potluck! These delicious quinoa salad recipes are gloriously gluten-free with lots of vegetarian options too.

Share on Pinterest Don’t lose this post, pin it for later!

Collage of quinoa salad recipes for potlucks. Text: 17 Delicious Quinoa Salad Recipes to Take to Your Next Potluck.

I’ve been all about quinoa salad recipes for a LONG time. I love quinoa because it’s is so easy to prepare, incredibly versatile, high in protein and fibre and can be served for just about any meal! Quinoa salads are also great for meal prep because most of them can be made ahead of time!

Naturally, I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to quinoa recipes, many of which are quinoa salad recipes that I think you’ll enjoy so I created a roundup here with over 15 healthy quinoa salad recipes. Hopefully you’ll like them as much as I do and decide to make one (or two) for your next potlick. First thing first, let’s cover a few quinoa basics!

Jump to the content you're looking for: show

How to cook quinoa in an Instant Pot for a salad:

I prefer to make quinoa in my Instant Pot because it cooks it perfectly every time! It’s never dry, over cooked, or wet and mushy, or under cooked.

  1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold running water in a fine mesh strainer. (See why below.)
  2. Spray the Instant Pot liner with cooking oil and add the rinsed quinoa (still damp), 1.5 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
  3. Lock the lid and set the steam valve to its “sealing” position. 
  4. Select the “MANUAL” button and cook for 1 minute on high pressure. It will take about 5 minutes for the pressure to build, then the countdown timer will start. 
  5. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes and then release any remaining pressure. Fluff quinoa with a fork and serve.

Why do you need to rinse quinoa?

  • Rinsing your quinoa helps remove quinoa’s natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. Note: There are a few quinoa brands some come pre-rinsed. If you’re looking to save time or don’t own a mesh strainer, look for one of these brands.

Potluck Quinoa Salad Recipes

Now that we have the basics covered, let’s hop right in to these awesome quinoa salad recipes. I can’t wait to hear which ones you’ll make first!

Janice Smith is the creator and food blogger behind Salads for Lunch, a healthy recipe website dedicated to easy, delicious salads, soups, and wholesome family meals. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and a certificate in Athletic Therapy, Janice combines her passion for nutrition, fitness, and simple home cooking to inspire readers to live healthier lives. She began blogging after transforming her own lifestyle through healthy eating and exercise, and now shares approachable recipes that make it easy for busy families to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients. When she's not developing recipes, Janice enjoys running, staying active, and spending time with her three daughters. Through Salads for Lunch, she encourages readers to embrace healthy living one meal at a time.

More recipes to enjoy:

  • Thai Coconut Curry Soup with Chicken

    Warm, creamy, and packed with veggies and tender chicken, this One-Pot Thai Coconut Curry Soup turns a handful of pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy bowl in under an hour.

  • Easy Tuscan Bean Salad

    This easy Tuscan bean salad tosses creamy cannellini beans, crisp veggies, and a bright lemon-herb dressing together in 15 minutes — a make-ahead side that’s ready when you are.

  • Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

    Sweet roasted vine-ripened tomatoes, garlic, and onions create a rich, flavorful soup that’s finished with fresh basil for a bright, garden-fresh taste. This easy homemade soup is delicious with a grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of crusty bread.

  • Crunchy Easy Asian Coleslaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing

    This crunchy Asian coleslaw comes together in 15 minutes with a bag of coleslaw mix and a homemade sesame ginger dressing. No mayo, big flavor — the perfect side dish for grilled chicken, pulled pork, burgers, or takeout-style dinners.

  • Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe with Homemade Meatballs

    This easy Italian wedding soup pairs tender homemade meatballs with tiny pasta, leafy greens, and a light chicken broth for a healthy, family-friendly bowl of comfort.

  • Apple, Celery & Walnut Crunch Salad

    This crisp salad combines sweet apples, crunchy celery, toasted walnuts and raisins in a light Greek yogurt dressing — no mayo, no cooking, ready in 15 minutes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *