This curried quinoa salad is deliciously flavorful, and it’s packed with vegetables! Fluffy curried quinoa is tossed with crunchy cabbage and celery, then topped with salty cashews and fresh cilantro for a veggie-packed side dish!

Curried Quinoa Salad
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I love making quinoa salads like this because they can be made in advance and they’re actually better after they’ve had a few hours in the fridge. It’s a perfect make-ahead recipe! I based the flavors of this one off of my curried chickpea salad and I love how this version turned out. Quinoa is a superfood, so I love finding new ways to use it. It contains all the essential amino acids and it’s a good source of protein and fiber.

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Quinoa– Quinoa is the base of the salad, providing a nutty and slightly earthy flavor. It’s also a good source of protein and fiber, making the salad more filling. If you don’t have quinoa, you can use brown rice instead.
  • Curry Powder– Curry powder adds a distinctive and bold flavor to the salad. It’s a blend of various spices like turmeric, coriander, cumin, and others, which gives the dish a warm and aromatic profile. You can adjust the amount to your preference for spiciness. Be sure to use a flavorful curry powder for this recipe.
  • Olive Oil– Olive oil is used to coat the quinoa and helps to distribute the curry flavor evenly.
  • Lemon Juice– Lemon juice provides a tangy and refreshing element to the salad, balancing the richness of the curry and olive oil. It also enhances the overall flavor and brightens the dish.
  • Celery– Celery has a neutral flavor but it adds a crunchy texture to the salad that I love.
  • Cabbage– Shredded cabbage offers a crisp and slightly sweet component to the salad. It’s a great way to add extra freshness and color. I used red cabbage but you can substitute with green cabbage.
  • Cashews– Cashews provide a delightful crunch and a creamy, nutty flavor to the salad. They also add protein and healthy fats, making the dish more satisfying. I prefer roasted salted cashews.
  • Cilantro– Fresh cilantro imparts a hint of citrus-like flavor to the salad. If you don’t like cilantro, you can leave it out.

How to Make Curried Quinoa Salad