Need some lunch inspiration? Try my easy quinoa salad recipes!
I'd like to thank ALDI for sponsoring this post about delicious and simple quinoa salads (all 7 ingredients or less!) As always, all opinions are my own. I sincerely thank you for supporting posts like this that allow me to publish this blog for free.
Hi everyone!
There's nothing new about quinoa in the healthy living community, but this goodie still deserves some solid respect in my book! You just can't beat this powerhouse whole grain food (technically a seed!) for its nutrition profile which includes protein, fiber, folate, iron and a slew of other useful nutrients. As a mainly plant-based eater, anything with protein is a winner in my book.
That's why these lovely little morsels remain a solid part of my diet. It's like foodie perfection in a cup!
After cooking, the little grains are an ideal fluffy addition to so many dishes... but by far my favorites are easy quinoa salad recipes.
I've been buying my quinoa lately from ALDI! You can't beat their SimplyNature Organic Quinoa for quality and price.
I've had a lot of quinoa over the years, and their version is delicious and less expensive! Plus since its part of their SimplyNature line, I know it's free of artificial colors, flavors and unnecessary enhancers. Many of the products in this line are organic as well.
Quinoa is often a lunch solution for me. I'll go on kicks where I'll make sandwiches, salads or even quesadillas. I'll eat whatever I'm feeling for a few weeks, get tired of it and then move on to the next thing.
BUT one of my all-time favorite cravings that pops into rotation is quinoa salad. It's so fast to put together, light and healthy! I'll serve it alone or on a big bowl of greens (which you can also get at ALDI) for extra nutrients.
Easy Quinoa Salad Recipes
There are so many versions of easy quinoa salad, but there are a few easy quinoa salad recipes that are my favorites! I thought I'd share all three recipes with you today to get you inspired to try the SimplyNature Organic Quinoa at ALDI and to mix up your lunch.
First up is my Mexican Black Bean Quinoa Salad. It's probably the first easy quinoa salad recipe I ever made.
My version could not be easier with only 7 ingredients, including the quinoa! Another star of the recipe is the SimplyNature Organic Black Beans. I go through SO many cans of these.
To make it you just rinse and drain the black beans. Next chop up the tomatoes, green onions and avocado.
The flavoring is lots of lime and cilantro. You could add an oil of your choosing, but with the avocado it’s not that necessary, as there's enough flavor as is.
Yummm.... avocado....
It's probably no surprise that I make this easy Mexican Black Bean Quinoa Salad Recipe the most. It satisfies my Mexican food hankering that I seem to get every few days.
Next up is my Heirloom Caprese Quinoa Salad!
It's like summer in a bowl.
This easy quinoa salad recipe only uses 5 ingredients, all found at ALDI!
I used ALDI Fit & Active Balsamic Vinaigrette, Dakota's Pride Great Northern Beans and Priano Fresh Mozzarella in Marinade. The Fit & Active line offers products with less fat, less sodium and fewer calories.
This one is even easier than the last! The only chopping required is halving the tomatoes.
Look at those GORGEOUS heirloom tomatoes I got at ALDI. I've bought them every week since I discovered them.
The white beans are optional and may not suit everyone’s taste, but I like the added protein in this dish! It makes it an even more well-rounded lunch.
With or without the beans, this Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad could not be an easier, tastier lunch.
My third easy quinoa salad recipe is great for those days you are craving something sweet.
I'll just warn you, though... my Honey Lime Mango Berry Quinoa Salad is downright addictive!
This is another 7 ingredient recipe, and I got all those delectable fruits in the ALDI fresh produce department. I've gotten some incredible produce there at such great deals.
The star of the dish is SimplyNature Organic Wildflower Honey. It's pure honey perfection at a fraction of the price!
The recipe starts with chopping the strawberries and mango. If you don't know how to chop and peel a mango, make sure to check out my video sharing my mango cup trick. It will change the way you do mangoes!
This round gets tossed together with lots of lime and a touch of honey! It's only a few tablespoons for the whole recipe, so it's not too much added sugar or sweetness.
The result is so delicious and all from products found at ALDI. It's great as a lunch, but could even be an unconventional breakfast, too!
All three of these yummy, fast and easy quinoa salad recipes are made using products entirely from ALDI. I've really been enjoying shopping there and have loved the lower grocery bills! Check out more of my favorite ALDI products here. I also encourage you to visit an ALDI store on your own. Find your closest location here!
Transform your lunch with these 3 Easy & Fast Quinoa Salad recipes from Running in a Skirt! #ALDIgram @aldiusa Click To Tweet
Easy Quinoa Salad Recipes- Mexican Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup SimplyNature Organic Quinoa
- 1 cup water
- 1 can SimplyNature Organic Black Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon Stonemill salt
- ¼ teaspoon Stonemill pepper
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa in salted water according to package instructions.
- Allow quinoa to cool to at least room temperature.
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Easy Quinoa Salad Recipes - Heirloom Tomato Caprese Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup SimplyNature Organic Quinoa
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 8 ounce package Priano Fresh Mozzarella in Marinade, removed from the oil
- ½ cup Dakota's Pride Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup Fit & Active Light Balsamic Vinaigrette
- ½ lemon, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon Stonemill iodized salt
- ¼ teaspoon Stonemill ground pepper.
- optional garnish: fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa in salted water according to package instructions.
- Allow quinoa to cool to at least room temperature.
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Easy Quinoa Salad Recipes- Honey Lime Mango Berry Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup SimplyNature Organic Quinoa
- 1 cup strawberries, diced
- 1 mango, diced
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup blackberries
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons SimplyNature Organic Honey
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa in salted water according to package instructions.
- Allow quinoa to cool to at least room temperature.
- Mix all ingredients together.
Like my Easy Quinoa Salad Recipes? I’d love it if you could pin this to your favorite Pinterest board! Thank you so much for the support.
Thanks for stopping by today! Tomorrow I’m sharing a Strawberry Mint Nice Cream that’s perfect for summer.
Your turn!
Which quinoa salad would you like to try first?
kimmythevegan says
I LOVE quinoa. It's so good! And versatile. And a protein powerhouse. Woot!
The black bean salad sounds so good. I make something similar to that frequently for my work lunches. I like the idea of adding avocado to it.
And I have never thought of making a fruit salad with quinoa - what a great idea =)
Atim at EffiFit says
These quinoa recipes look delicious! I'll have to try the fruit one, I've never done a sweet quinoa salad before.
Lisa @ NatureImmerse says
Last week, I made roasted shrimp quinoa spring rolls – Quinoa is a wonderful protein-packed substitute for rice noodles in these easy peasy spring rolls.
Kristina @ Love & Zest says
Aldi is loved in my house! So much goodness without breaking the bank! And a healthy wholesome selection! These quinoa salads look amazing!
Kristina @ Love & Zest says
Oh my gosh, I clicked five stars (or thought I did) and it only clicked four so I'm doing it again for 5!! 😉
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
These salads sound fantastic! And so healthy and simple to make!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Sonali!
Amanda Brooks says
You had me at easy 🙂 ha! I never would have thought of the fruit version!
Jenn says
They all look so yummy! I would totally eat that Berry Quinoa Bowl for breakfast!
JulieWunder says
Totally! It would make a great breakfast.
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers says
These look amazing! I LOVE Aldi. Seriously, I save so much money there compared to other grocery stores. It's by far my fav place to shop.
JulieWunder says
Such great deals!! Thank you!
Emily | EmPowered Nutrition says
The berry salad looks amazing! I love the different twist on simple quinoa salads. These seem like the perfect summertime lunch options!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Emily.
Barrie says
I love this brand at ALDI's- they actually have a lot of great organic or natural food products! I was suprised! These recipes look so fresh and healthy!
JulieWunder says
SO true!!! They've got great stuff.
Emily Kyle says
This quinoa from Aldi is seriously my favorite product to buy! I will leave my other grocery store just to get this quinoa, it is a fantastic product at a great price! Yay Aldi 🙂
JulieWunder says
So true!! You can't beat the price.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
These look great for lunch! I'm pinning them so I can have some ideas for summer lunches!
JulieWunder says
Yay! Hope you enjoy them.
Jessica @Nutritioulicious says
My mouth is watering with each of these! The mango berry one is genius!
JulieWunder says
Thank you Jessica!!!
Blane Sherer says
That's a lot of nice healthy options.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane!
Tasting Page says
I think you just set me up for all my summer picnics. Great, easy to prepare salads!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Kelly!
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
I LOVE your ideas! We are huge quinoa fans here, but I NEVER thought to add fruit! Can't wait to try it out this week!
JulieWunder says
It's so unique and tasty. Hope you get a chance to try it Chelley.
JulieWunder says
Chelley- sorry!
Mary Beth Jackson says
Well you had me at 7 ingredients of less! I love the caprese salad idea- that might become a quick summer favorite for me! Beautiful dishes! I will give my Aldi store a second look 🙂
JulieWunder says
Yes! You'll love the prices.
Jolina says
We love quinoa! It's a staple in our diet and we're always looking for new recipes to try it on. Your salad recipes look gorgeous. You bet we're trying them out soon! Perfect for summer too.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jolina! Hope you get a chance to try them.
Abbey Sharp says
I can't choose! All these salads look so delicious! Also loving the colour
JulieWunder says
Thanks Abbey!
Christina Bauer says
I absolutely LOVE Aldi and am so happy they have continuously improved their products! These salad recipes look totally delish, and are a great way to mix it up at lunch time. I make salads like this for picnics and beer garden dinners, because they pack all the desired nutrition, flavor, and portability into one simple dish 🙂
JulieWunder says
Yay! I'm so glad you like it. ALDI really is the best.
Saidah says
Aldi is one of my favorite grocery stores. I shop there once a week. I love how you took the quinoa and presented it in three different fun and unique recipe ideas.
JulieWunder says
They have the best stuff at such great prices!
Annmarie says
Wow - look how bright and beautiful these dishes are!!! I'll take a plate of each 🙂
JulieWunder says
Coming up!
Jaime says
I love Aldi's SimplyNature line! We shop at Aldi almost weekly, and get great deals on a lot of organic products. (I need them to start carrying Riced Cauliflower - that's not too much to ask, right?) 🙂
JulieWunder says
That would be amazing!!! Maybe they'll read this! lol!
Laura says
I was literally just thinking about making quinoa for dinner tonight! ??
JulieWunder says
Great minds think alike!
Neely Moldovan says
I love making stuff with qinoia! Recently rice cauliflower too! So good and filling!
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Neely.
Emily says
Heirloom tomatoes are always so yummy; I love that you took the simple grain quinoa and turned it into 3 ways to enjoy a delicious salad. I haven't had quinoa in a while.
JulieWunder says
Aren't they! I just love them.
Sarah says
I love a good quinoa salad! So healthy and delicious and great to make ahead for lunch or dinner. I can't decide which one I'd make first. Two are close to ones I've made. I could really go for the fruit one for breakfast right now!
JulieWunder says
Such a great breakfast idea! Thanks Sarah.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
Yum! I love how versatile quinoa is! I'm definitely going to try one of these variations 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Liz!
Taylor Kiser says
I love quinoa! These are such a great idea for getting out of a lunch rut! They're perfect too for meal prep for the week! Can't wait to try all 3!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Taylor! Hope you enjoy them.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I am a huge quinoa salad lover as well but I have not tried it with fruit. Great idea and thanks for joining us for meatless Monday
JulieWunder says
It's so good with fruit! You'd love it.
maria @ close to home says
I have 2 bags of this stuff in my pantry. What great prices at ALDI. Thanks for the quick and easy ways to feed my family this week.
JulieWunder says
Yay! Hope you'll get to try one of these recipes.
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
Alex and I used to eat so much quinoa, but then we needed a break from it. This would be the perfect way to kickstart our love again!
JulieWunder says
I feel ya... there was once this giant mega bag of it in the pantry....
heather @Lunging Through Life says
I bought quinoa a while ago and forgot! I usually buy the Quinoa/brown rice mix and A LOVES it. I do too but she goes to town, haha. I'm saving these recipes! Aldi is such a great store. I actually need to get to it today. And I owe you an email!
JulieWunder says
How sweet!!!! She's such a doll! No worries, I know you've got a LOT going on!
Beth Ann Chiles says
Love these recipes and so agree with the ability to find great products at Aldi! I shopped at Aldi before it was "cool" years and years ago when the boys were little. Definitely making these salads and putting them in the rotation this summer. Thanks!
Julie says
Hi Julie! I have a question for you. Is there anything that I could substitute for cilantro in the Mexican black bean quinoa salad ? I am a big fan of quinoa and all of these recipes look fabulous. In fact I am going to try the Heirloom tomato caprese quinoa salad today for lunch. Yum! The honey lime mango berry salad has a lot of anti oxidants in it and will become part of my routine for sure.
Thank you Julie for these wonderful recipes!
JulieWunder says
Yay! That makes my day. I hope you enjoy it! You could try it with just the lime (add some extra and that might be enough flavor) or do a blend of dry Mexican themed seasoning like cumin, oregano, garlic and pepper. Maybe all some extra green onion to add more green too!