• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
This Healthy Kitchen
  • RECIPES
  • SPRING
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • JOIN/LOGIN
  • ACCOUNT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • SPRING
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • JOIN/LOGIN
  • ACCOUNT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPES
    • SPRING
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • JOIN/LOGIN
    • ACCOUNT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Mains

    Quinoa Pasta Salad [Healthy + Low Cal]

    Published: Jan 6, 2021 by Rosa · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

    942 shares
    JUMP TO RECIPE
    quinoa pasta salad PIN with text overlay.
    quinoa pasta salad PIN with text overlay.
    quinoa pasta salad PIN with text overlay.
    quinoa pasta salad PIN with text overlay.
    quinoa pasta salad PIN with text overlay.

    Colourful, flavourful, quinoa pasta salad topped with a creamy, tangy, dill-infused dressing that’s nutrient dense and delicious! It’s simple to prepare and ready in 30 minutes.

    Large bowl of quinoa salad with red pepper, olives, and cucumber.

    This quinoa pasta salad is a fabulous twist on your classic pasta salad dish. Using quinoa instead of wheat pasta makes this dish higher in protein and minerals, and naturally gluten free.

    The dressing in wonderfully creamy and tangy, and delicately coats your salad without drenching it or making it soggy. Absolute perfection.

    Is quinoa healthy?

    Yes, absolutely. It’s not called a superfood for no reason. 🙂

    You’ve probably heard of quinoa before, but did you know it’s in the seed family, and not actually a grain? I was surprised when I first found that out too.

    Quinoa, as mentioned above, is protein dense and loaded with minerals. It’s high in fiber, antioxidants and essential amino acids, making it an incredibly nutritious plant based food.

    Close up of salad in serving bowl with quinoa, pepper, cucumber, onion, olive and dill.

    Why you’ll love it

    • It’s satisfying like your classic pasta salad, but FAR healthier.
    • Low in calories and low in fat, so you can enjoy a generous portion!
    • Simple to make, using common ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes.
    • Flavourful! From nutty quinoa, juicy cucumbers, sweet peppers, tangy olives and fresh dill, there’s so many wonderful flavours and textures to enjoy!
    • Customizable. Just sub or omit any veggies you’re not keen on.
    • Makes great leftovers and tastes delicious chilled or at room temperature.
    Quinoa pasta salad in large white serving dish with wooden spoon on the side.

    How to make it

    (This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

    Start by gathering your salad ingredients.

    Ingredients to make quinoa pasta salad on white deck.

    Then put your quinoa to cook with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and lower the heat and simmer until the broth is absorbed. Approx. 12-15 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

    While that’s cooking, gather the dressing ingredients.

    Ingredients to make salad dressing in small bowls on white deck.

    Then combine them in a small bowl and set aside. (photos 1-2)

    Next, prepare and chop your veggies. (photo 3)

    Salad dressing in small bowl and chopped veggies on cutting board.

    Your quinoa should be ready by now, so transfer it to a large bowl. (photo 4)

    Then add all the veggies to the same bowl and mix together. (photos 5-6)

    Large bowl with quinoa, then veggies added on top, and then mixed.

    Pour the dressing on top and mix well to evenly coat. (photos 7-8)

    Salad dressing being poured on top of quinoa salad and then mixed.

    Refrigerate for 1 hour, or longer, to chill, or serve straight away. This pasta salad tastes great both chilled or at room temp.

    Large white bowl with quinoa, cucumber, red pepper, olives and dill.

    How long does it keep?

    Your quinoa pasta salad will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, making it a great make-ahead option.

    It tastes even better the next day, so if time permits, plan to make it the day before and refrigerate overnight.

    I don’t recommend freezing.

    Can I make any substitutions?

    Feel free to sub or omit any veggies you’re not fond of. Some other options that would be great here include:

    • Corn (thawed frozen, or canned)
    • Halved cherry or grape tomatoes
    • Bite sized broccoli florets
    • Chopped pickles
    • Green onion or chives
    • Diced zucchini

    If you can’t have sesame seeds, you may sub the tahini for almond butter, with similar results.

    More Quinoa dishes

    • Mini Quinoa Sweet Potato Muffins
    • Cabbage Quinoa Salad with Oil Free Vinaigrette
    • Instant Pot Vegetable Soup with Quinoa
    • Coconut Quinoa w/ Lime & Cilantro

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

    Buon appetito

    Rosa

    Large bowl of quinoa salad with red pepper, olives, and cucumber.

    Quinoa Pasta Salad

    Colourful, flavourful, quinoa pasta salad topped with a creamy, tangy dressing that's nutrient dense and delicious! It's simple to prepare and ready in 30 minutes.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Course: Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 8 Servings
    Calories: 248kcal
    Author: Rosa

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups dry quinoa rinsed
    • 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
    • 1 red bell pepper
    • 1 cup celery diced, approx. 2 ribs
    • ½ cucumber diced
    • ½ cup black olives sliced
    • â…“ cup red onion diced, approx. half of a small onion
    • 1 cup fresh dill, parsley or cilantro loosely packed (dill highly recommended)

    For the Dressing

    • ¼ cup tahini or almond butter
    • ¼ cup water
    • 3 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tablespoon maple syrup or liquid sweetener of choice
    • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
    • 2 tablespoon dried dill weed dried
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt more to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Add the quinoa and vegetable broth to a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the broth is completely absorbed, approx. 12-15 minutes. Stir often towards the end of cooking. Set aside to cool slightly.
    • While the quinoa is cooking, add all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside, Then chop up your veggies, if you haven't already.
    • Transfer your cooked quinoa to a large bowl and add all the veggies and mix. Then pour the dressing on top and mix well to evenly coat. Chill for 1 hour or longer, or enjoy immediately.

    Notes

    Feel free to sub or omit any veggies you’re not fond of. Some other options that would be great in this quinoa pasta salad include:
    • Corn (thawed frozen, or canned)
    • Halved cherry or grape tomatoes
    • Bite sized broccoli florets
    • Chopped pickles
    • Green onion or chives
    • Diced zucchini
    If you can’t have sesame seeds, you may sub the tahini for almond butter, with similar results.
    Leftovers keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 436mg | Potassium: 443mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1030IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 3mg
    DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!
    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.
    942 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment & Star Rating Cancel reply

      Your feedback is greatly appreciated! Please do us a favour and rate the recipe in addition to commenting as this is very helpful to us and other readers. Tell us about substitutions you made, how it turned out, and anything helpful to others who may make the recipe. Rude or insulting comments are not accepted. Your email address will not be published.

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Debbie

      January 05, 2022 at 4:39 pm

      5 stars
      My only problem is that you called it pasta salad. I almost just passed on reading the recipe because you called it a pasta salad.. I don’t eat pasta. Recipe was very tasty..

      Reply
      • Rosa

        January 06, 2022 at 7:58 am

        Glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    2. Jennifer Lynn Beckner

      November 16, 2021 at 4:48 pm

      5 stars
      I didn’t make the salad but made the dressing and it’s now our new favorite!! It’s like a honey mustard ranch…so creamy and the dill is spot on! LOVE!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        November 17, 2021 at 9:03 am

        Fantastic, so glad you enjoyed! Thanks for sharing Jennifer.

        Reply
    3. Lisa

      January 21, 2021 at 6:47 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! This came out even better then expected! So much flavor, so delicious and way healthier then regular pasta salad!!! Amazing!!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        January 22, 2021 at 8:49 am

        So glad you enjoyed it so much Lisa. Thanks very much for the review. 🙂

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    About Me Pic

    Hi, I'm Rosa! Welcome to This Healthy Kitchen where you'll find tasty and nutritious, plant-based recipes. I'm an avid home cook who believes food is medicine. Each recipe is made using wholesome ingredients, and under 400 calories per serving with several gluten-free and oil-free options! Occasional cheat days included. 😉

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Roasted pineapple slices on white plate.
      Air Fryer Pineapple (Tastes Like Grilled)
    • close up of cooked spaghetti squash sliced in half with parmesan cheese and parsley garnish on top.
      Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash [Healthy+Low Cal]
    • Tray of buffalo cauliflower bites with bowl of ranch dip in the middle.
      Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings – Oven or Air Fryer
    • plate with large hash browns and fruit scattered around the dish
      Air Fryer Hash Browns From Scratch [Oil Free Option]
    • White bowl filled with cooked chickpeas and blue towel beside it.
      Instant Pot Chickpeas No Soak!
    • stack of vegan pancakes with banana slices on top and syrup dripping down.
      The Fluffiest Vegan Pancakes Ever [and SO easy!]

    list of websites where This Healthy Kitchen has been featured

    Spring is in the air!

    • Risotto with asparagus in round bowl with lemon on the side.
      Asparagus Lemon Risotto [Instant Pot or Stove Top]
    • Lemon pie with lemon slices and blueberries on top.
      Healthier Vegan Lemon Pie [Oil Free]
    • Green dip in glass jar with raw veggies surrounding it.
      Avocado Green Goddess Dressing [Oil Free]
    • Baked zucchini tater tots in white, oval serving dish.
      Baked Zucchini Tater Tots [Oil Free]
    • Cast iron pan with rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes and spinach in a white sauce.
      Easy Tofu Pasta Sauce [Oil Free]
    • Roasted potatoes in white tray with lemon wedges and parsley garnish.
      Roasted Greek Lemon Potatoes

    Privacy Policy
    Terms & Conditions

    5 SECRETS TO VEGAN COOKING!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimers
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on our site are affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only promote products we use and love. Thanks for your support!

    Copyright © 2023 ThisHealthyKitchen

    942 shares