Quinoa Cabbage Salad is a refreshing dish that combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with the crunchiness of cabbage, along with a variety of other flavorful ingredients.
It’s a versatile salad that can be served as a side dish or a main course, perfect for any occasion.
It also packs a powerful punch of nutrients, combining the protein-rich goodness of quinoa with the vitamins and minerals found in cabbage.
This wholesome dish is low in calories but high in essential nutrients, making it a perfect addition to a balanced diet. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Quinoa Cabbage Salad
- As a Side Dish: Serve the Quinoa Cabbage Salad alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete and balanced meal.
- In Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves such as butter lettuce or romaine to create lettuce wraps filled with the quinoa cabbage salad. Top with additional protein like grilled shrimp or sliced avocado for added flavor and texture.
- With Grilled Vegetables: Pair the salad with a selection of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a colorful and nutritious meal.
- As a Taco Filling: Use the quinoa cabbage salad as a filling for tacos or burritos. Add some salsa, guacamole, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
- In Buddha Bowls: Build a Buddha bowl by layering the quinoa cabbage salad with other ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes, avocado slices, and a drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce.
- With Crusty Bread: Serve the salad with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread for a satisfying and filling meal.
- As a Picnic or Potluck Dish: Bring the Quinoa Cabbage Salad to picnics, potlucks, or barbecues as a refreshing and nutritious option that everyone will enjoy.
- With Protein Additions: Add protein-rich toppings such as grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, chickpeas, or sliced hard-boiled eggs to make the salad more substantial and satisfying.
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the salad with additional chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil for a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Alongside Soup: Serve the Quinoa Cabbage Salad as a side dish with a bowl of soup for a comforting and nourishing meal.
These serving suggestions will help you enjoy your Quinoa Cabbage Salad in a variety of delicious and satisfying ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion!
Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your Quinoa Cabbage Salad:
- Prep Ahead: Cook the quinoa and chop the vegetables ahead of time to streamline the salad-making process. Store the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
- Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Rinse the quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove any bitterness. Use a fine-mesh strainer and rub the grains together with your fingers to ensure they are well rinsed.
- Toast Nuts and Seeds: Toasting sliced almonds or other nuts and seeds before adding them to the salad enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch. Simply spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Massage Cabbage: If using tougher cabbage varieties like green cabbage, consider massaging the shredded cabbage with a bit of olive oil and salt before adding it to the salad. This helps soften the cabbage and makes it more tender and flavorful.
- Customize Dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can add more vinegar for extra tanginess, honey or maple syrup for sweetness, or Dijon mustard for a stronger flavor.
- Mix Dressing Well: Whisk the dressing ingredients together thoroughly in a separate bowl before adding them to the salad. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed and coats the salad ingredients uniformly.
- Let Salad Chill: For optimal flavor, allow the assembled salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content of the salad by adding cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These additions make the salad more filling and satisfying as a main dish.
- Use Colorful Vegetables: Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded purple cabbage to make the salad visually appealing and nutritious.
- Experiment with Herbs: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs in the salad, such as fresh mint, basil, or dill, to add extra layers of flavor and freshness.
By incorporating these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a delicious and vibrant Quinoa Cabbage Salad that’s perfect for any meal or occasion!
Recipe FAQ’s
How long will quinoa cabbage salad last in the fridge?
Quinoa cabbage salad will typically last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I make quinoa cabbage salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Quinoa cabbage salad actually tastes better when it’s had some time to chill in the fridge and let the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Quinoa Cabbage Salad
This Quinoa Cabbage Salad is a delicious and nutritious option for a light meal or side dish. With its vibrant colors, crunchy texture, and flavorful dressing, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 3 cups shredded cabbage green or purple
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup sliced almonds optional, for crunch
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins optional, for sweetness
Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa:In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Prepare Vegetables:In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, chopped parsley, sliced almonds (if using), and dried cranberries or raisins (if using).
- Make Dressing:In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble Salad:Add the cooked and cooled quinoa to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss to Combine:Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve:Transfer the quinoa cabbage salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with additional chopped herbs or sliced almonds if desired.
- Enjoy:Serve the salad as a side dish or add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.