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Rainbow Quinoa Salad for a Crowd

Last updated: September 6, 2024

Are you looking for something to bring to your next tailgate party? Or seeking something heart-healthy to put on your plate in addition to — or in place of — the traditional brats and burgers? Ditch the mayonnaise and sour cream and serve this tasty, colorful salad. Homemade dressing, fall vegetables, and plant-based proteins come together to make a satisfying side dish. Thanks to the protein-rich edamame, cashews, and peanut butter, even your friends following a vegetarian diet will appreciate it. And so will your heart.

PREP TIME

30 Min

COOK TIME

15 Min

SERVINGS

20

DIFFICULTY

Easy

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 ½ cups shelled edamame
  • 3 cups prepared quinoa (or 1 cup raw quinoa, cooked)
  • 1 cup diced English cucumber (~ 1 cucumber)
  • ¾ cup diced bell pepper (~1 large bell pepper)
  • 2 cups ripe mango, diced (~1 large mango)
  • 1 cup shredded carrot (~2 medium carrots)
  • 3 cups shredded red cabbage (~half of a small head)
  • ½ cup cashews or nut of choice

Peanut Dressing

  • ¼ cup natural peanut butter
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste — or crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 ½ tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste

Directions

  1. Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Allow to cool. Add to large mixing bowl.
  2. Clean, peel, and dice the cucumber, peppers, and mango. Clean and shred the peeled carrots and cabbage. Add all the veggies to mixing bowl with the quinoa.
  3. Measure out all ingredients for peanut dressing and place in separate bowl. Whisk until well incorporated. Pour over vegetables and quinoa.
  4. Gently stir until vegetables and quinoa are coated.
  5. Sprinkle nuts on top of salad and serve. Salad can be served at room temperature or chilled prior to serving.
Tags: Recipe salad recipes

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