5 Perfect Quinoa Salad Recipes

Salad has a bad reputation as being bland, boring, and un-filling. These delicious salad recipes are exactly the opposite: They're loaded with colorful and flavorful ingredients, and incorporate healthy and delicious protein-packed quinoa to help keep you feeling fuller longer.

Quinoa with Watercress, Pears, and Pomegranates

If you need a healthy meal that's ready in well under a half an hour, this is your new go-to recipe. Nutty quinoa is paired with tart pomegranate seeds, juicy pears, and peppery watercress for a healthy meal. This quick salad is tossed in a mix of white-wine vinegar and pomegranate juice.

Apricot Cilantro Quinoa Pilaf

Dried apricots and toasted pumpkin seeds give this nutty quinoa pilaf lots of texture and flavor. This sweet and savory dish is so delicious you'll probably forget it's good for you! Layer this pilaf with leafy greens for a quick and easy salad.

Quinoa Vegetable Salad

If you're looking for a new way to use spring peas, try this fresh and filling salad. Nutty and wholesome quinoa is paired with lots of produce and a bright, citrusy vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy meal. 

Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad

Make sure you save some blueberries for the winter — this delicious winter squash and quinoa salad uses them for color and sweetness. Top this healthy salad with shallot and arugula and you'll have a warm and hearty meal to keep you full on a cold day.

Quinoa and Tomato Salad

You can't talk about summer produce without mentioning tomatoes, and this easy-to-make salad is all about the tomatoes! They're paired with protein-packed quinoa and fresh chives for a light yet filling summer salad.

Kristie Collado is The Daily Meal's Cook Editor. Follow her on Twitter @KColladoCook.