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You are here: Home / Recipes / Cashew Balsamic Quinoa Salad

Cashew Balsamic Quinoa Salad

Published on January 9, 2017 Updated on March 10, 2021 By Gunjan 10 Comments

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This healthy and vegan Cashew Balsamic Quinoa Salad is a hearty meal. Its packed with a variety of flavors and is protein rich along with being high in fiber.

a front view of plated cashew balsamic quinoa salad

I love Quinoa in almost everything and if it’s in salad form I can hardly resist. Once you get the hang of the taste of quinoa you would want to substitute almost all types of carbohydrate with it.

Surprisingly, even Yashvi prefers quinoa over rice so we make a happy duo gorging on quinoa while sharing from the same plate 🙂

Therefore, I have created many variety of quinoa recipes like vegan jambalaya, teriyaki tofu quinoa bowl, one pot jackfruit quinoa pilaf.

However, this salad is still our favorite. Its fast, easy and filling at the same time.

a bowl with the ingredients including the dressing.

My other salad recipes that you may like:

  • Butternut Squash Salad
  • Vegan Macaroni Salad
  • Kidney Beans Salad
  • Healthy Vegan Potato Salad

Since my family loves this salad especially my daughter, I am here to share this quinoa salad recipe with balsamic dressing.

Ingredients you will need:

For the dressing

  • Cashew nuts
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Black pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Salt

For the salad

  • Cooked quinoa
  • Carrots
  • Onions
  • Red bell pepper

I have used these easily available ingredients which you may buy from any local grocery store. However, I have provided links to few of them here for your convenience.

If you plan to buy from these affiliate links then I get a small commission which in turn encourages me to bring in more delicious recipes for you all.

Ingredients notes:

Cashew – this provides healthy fats and protein here along with a creamy texture.

Balsamic vinegar – its an Italian vinegar which is dark in color with intense flavors. It is different from any other vinegar so make sure to use the right one for this cashew balsamic dressing.

Quinoa – its a complete protein nutritious grain. Its a great substitute for rice and is super versatile. I have used regular yellow quinoa in this recipe but you may use red or tri colored ones too.

After going through the ingredients in details, now, all you have to do it to go the steps in detail. Thereafter, I insists you quickly blend the dressing and enjoy this quinoa salad for your lunch or dinner.

How to make Cashew Balsamic Quinoa Salad

Firstly, in a blender, I combined all the dressing ingredients and blended it absolutely smooth. Then, I kept it aside.

dressing in the bowl.

Secondly, in a salad bowl, I combined all the salad ingredients.

Thereafter, I tossed in the dressing nicely.

Lastly, I served it immdediatly.

This delicious salad was very welcoming and my family loved every bit of it.

a close up view of cashew balsamic quinoa salad

Now, I usually keep the balsamic dressing in my refrigerator and quickly toss this salad on most of the weekdays.

My desire to make this salad absolutely delicious and perfect in my first attempt was quite challenging, but I love challenges because cooking is my passion and I keep challenging myself in this field. It’s my way to keep myself boosted and creative 🙂

Cashew Balsamic Quinoa Salad

How long does it last?

You may blend the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate for about 2 week. leftover cooked quinoa also works great here or simply cook a big batch and refrigerate for 2 weeks. When ready simply toss all the ingredients and enjoy.

Is this healthy?

Its very healthy because the dressing loaded with healthy fats. The salad is packed with balanced nutrition with important macronutrients like fats, protein, carbohydrate and fiber.

Does it taste better when cold?

This salad is the most easiest one because it tastes equally good as a cold salad, warm or at room temperature.

Did you make it?

If you get a chance to make this cashew balsamic quinoa salad recipe then please leave a feedback along with 5 star rating in the comments.

You may also tag @kiipfit on Instagram with your recipe image because we love to see your remakes of our recipe.

a front view of plated cashew balsamic quinoa salad
Print Recipe

Cashew Balsamic Quinoa Salad

This healthy and vegan Cashew Balsamic Quinoa Salad is a hearty meal. Its packed with a variety of flavors and is protein rich along with being high in fiber.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baslsamic quinoa salad, cashew balsamic dressing, quinoa salad with balsamic dressing
Servings: 4
Calories: 199kcal
Author: Gunjan

Ingredients

for the dressing

  • 1/4 cup raw cashew nuts
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp dried garlic
  • salt as per taste

for the salad

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup sliced red onions
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup sliced red pepper

Instructions

  • In a blender combine all the dressing ingredients except salt and blend into a creamy smooth dressing. Keep it aside.
  • In a salad bowl combine all the salad ingredients.
  • Fold in the dressing and toss it well.
  • Garnish with more raw cashew nuts and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Cashew nuts bring a mild sweetness to the dressing but feel free to add pinch of brown sugar if the dressing is too tangy for your palate.
  • When blending the dressing feel free to add about 1-2 tbsp. of water to ease out the blending process. However, do not exceed the water content since it is suppose to be thick in consistency.
  • If not using the dressing immediately, it may thicken a little. Just before tossing it into the salad add few drops of water to the dressing and whip it with a spoon and then toss it in the salad. You can add few drops on the fresh blended dressing too if desired. (Don’t add too much water. The consistency should be thick, creamy and smooth).
  • This dressing can be refrigerated for about 2 weeks in an air tight glass container. 

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 2mg

multiple images.

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Filed Under: Gluten Free, Recipes, Salads, Special Diet, Vegan

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Aarika says

    January 10, 2017 at 10:56 pm

    Delicious! I adore quinoa as well, and I can’t wait to try your cashew balsamic dressing. Yummy!

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      January 11, 2017 at 12:18 am

      Thank you Aarika for stopping by and appreciating my work. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Krysten says

    January 10, 2017 at 5:08 am

    I think this salad looks absolutely amazing! I am going to have to put this on my meal plan for next week!

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      January 10, 2017 at 4:33 pm

      Thank you Krysten. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Michelle Catallo says

    January 10, 2017 at 4:25 am

    I am always on the lookout for new and tasty quinoa recipes and yours fits the bill! My eldest son loves quinoa and nuts so, can’t wait to try making this with him 🙂 Lovely serving and presentation platter by the way. Heading over to your PB chocolate and quinoa cookies now ~ thank you!

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      January 10, 2017 at 4:35 pm

      Thank you Michelle. Let me know how did the recipes turn out for you.

      Reply
  4. Chelsea says

    January 10, 2017 at 1:54 am

    Mmmm that dressing sounds incredible. Must try!

    Reply
  5. Bella says

    January 9, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    Wow this looks so good, You always make the best food.

    Reply
    • Gunjan says

      January 10, 2017 at 4:35 pm

      Thank you Bella.

      Reply
  6. Esther says

    January 9, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    This looks so good and healthy! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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A close up front view of Gunjan Dudani'a face.
Hi, I am Gunjan Dudani, Certified Nutrition Coach. I love creating comfort vegan recipes with a healthier twist that friends and family will love. Click here

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