Best 7 Skinny Confetti Quinoa Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our Skinny Confetti Quinoa Salad, a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious and satisfying meal, perfect for health-conscious individuals and those seeking a lighter and refreshing option.

The Skinny Confetti Quinoa Salad is a symphony of textures and flavors. The fluffy quinoa provides a hearty base, while the crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy red onion add a refreshing contrast. The addition of crumbled feta cheese offers a tangy and creamy element, elevating the salad to a new level of deliciousness.

Topped with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing, this salad strikes a perfect balance between tangy and creamy. The dressing, made with fresh lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, and a hint of honey, enhances the flavors of the salad components, creating a harmonious and satisfying bite.

This recipe also includes variations to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. For a vegan option, simply omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based alternative such as crumbled tofu or tempeh. Additionally, the dressing can be adjusted to suit your spice preferences; add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangier flavor.

With its vibrant colors, delightful textures, and irresistible flavors, the Skinny Confetti Quinoa Salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a light and healthy lunch option. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on a culinary adventure with this irresistible salad.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CONFETTI QUINOA SALAD



Confetti Quinoa Salad image

A colorful side to complement any entrée. It's good for you, too-featuring protein-rich grains and edamame.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 1h

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 bag (10 oz) Cascadian Farm® frozen organic shelled edamame
1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
3/4 cup Italian or Greek vinaigrette dressing
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (2 oz)
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

Steps:

  • In 3-quart saucepan, heat quinoa, water and salt to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until quinoa is tender. Cool at least 30 minutes.
  • Cook and drain edamame as directed on bag. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain.
  • In large serving bowl, toss quinoa, edamame and remaining ingredients. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 120, Carbohydrate 12 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 2 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 320 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 0 g

SKINNY CONFETTI QUINOA SALAD



Skinny Confetti Quinoa Salad image

28% less sodium than the original recipe. Serve this hearty salad as a side or a light meatless main dish. The quinoa and Chick Peas provide as much protein per serving as an ounce of meat. Another bonus: This dish is gluten free.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 2h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup quinoa, well rinsed
1 cup chopped green, yellow, and/or orange sweet pepper
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 can (15 oz) Chick Peas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine broth and quinoa. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until broth is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine sweet pepper, tomatoes, Chick Peas, green onions, parsley, and mint. Add the cooked quinoa; mix well. Add lemon juice; toss well to mix. Season with salt and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 150, Carbohydrate 25 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 5 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, ServingSize 3/4 cup, Sodium 200 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g

CONFETTI QUINOA



Confetti Quinoa image

If you have never tried quinoa, start with my easy side, brimming with colorful veggies. I serve it with orange-glazed chicken. -Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1/2 cup chopped fresh broccoli
1/2 cup coarsely chopped zucchini
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the next 5 ingredients. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until liquid is absorbed, 12-15 minutes. , Stir in lemon juice and oil. Remove from heat; fluff with a fork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 196 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 307mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CONFETTI QUINOA SALAD WITH LIME DRESSING



Confetti Quinoa Salad with Lime Dressing image

Confetti Quinoa Salad with Lime Dressing- One of my family's all time favorite recipes, this healthy quinoa salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, lunches, meal prep, and more! (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Provided by One Lovely Life

Categories     Salad

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
1 (14.5oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
1 cup diced mango (about 1 mango)
1 avocado, diced
1 green onion, sliced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
3 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp honey or agave (optional, if needed)
1/4 tsp pepper, or to taste
1/4 tsp salt, or to taste

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine quinoa, beans, bell pepper, mango, avocado, green onion, and cilantro.
  • Drizzle over lime juice, olive oil, vinegar, (honey, if using), salt, and pepper.
  • Gently toss to coat.
  • Chill until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 heaping cup, Calories 272 calories, Sugar 8.9 g, Sodium 205.3 mg, Fat 8 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 42.7 g, Fiber 10.1 g, Protein 9.3 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

ZESTY CONFETTI SALAD WITH QUINOA



Zesty Confetti Salad With Quinoa image

A blend of veggies and quinoa pulled together with a tangy, slightly spicy citrus-pepita dressing. Though there are a lot of ingredients, it's easy to make.

Provided by MN_SpiceHunter

Categories     Grains

Time 55m

Yield 5-7 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups broccoli, chopped
1 cup carrot, chopped or shredded
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1 1/2 cups jicama, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
3/4 cup scallion, sliced thin
1 cup cauliflower, chopped
1 tablespoon black sesame seed
1/2 cup pepitas (raw shelled pumpkin seeds)
1 cup fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons lime juice
5 tablespoons orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Rinse quinoa well. Combine with 3/4 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed and holes have formed in surface of quinoa. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature or cooler.
  • Dry toast pepitas by putting them in a large skillet or frying pan and shaking over high heat until they begin to pop and "dance". Remove from heat.
  • In food processor, combine pepitas, cilantro, lime juice, orange juice concentrate, olive oil, chili powder, cumin and salt. Blitz until a rough paste forms. (It looks a little funny at this stage--don't worry!).
  • In a very large bowl, combine veggies, quinoa and sesame seeds and toss. Add citrus-pepita dressing and mix well to coat. Chill at least one hour; overnight is ideal.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 285.4, Fat 14.2, SaturatedFat 2.3, Sodium 169.3, Carbohydrate 35, Fiber 7.3, Sugar 11.7, Protein 9

QUINOA CONFETTI SALAD WITH SUGAR SNAP PEAS & TOASTED PEPITAS



Quinoa Confetti Salad with Sugar Snap Peas & Toasted Pepitas image

This light, veggie-packed, and protein-rich salad is equally perfect for potlucks, packed lunches, or super-easy dinners.

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup dried quinoa (about 1 1/2 cup cooked)
2 cups sugar snap peas
1/2 cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1/2 cup grated carrots (about 2 small carrots)
1/4 cup finely diced red onion (about 1/4 small onion)
1/4 cup minced chives
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Set aside and allow to cool.
  • Fill a medium saucepan half full with water and bring to a boil. Add the sugar snap peas and boil for one minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer peas to a few layers of paper towels to dry and cool. When cool enough to handle, cut into 1-inch long pieces.
  • Place a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the pepitas and cook, stirring constantly, until toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool.
  • Add quinoa, peas, and pepitas to a large bowl along with the carrots, onion, and chives. Toss to combine.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over salad and toss again to coat.
  • Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
  • To store, cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to two days.

CONFETTI QUINOA



Confetti Quinoa image

Quinoa, pronounced "keenwa," quadruples in size when cooked yet stays crunchy and nutty. This recipe (which I've not tried) adds a variety of colors of bell pepper to the quinoa for the effect of confetti. From Laurel's Kitchen Cookbook and submitted for Zaar World Tour II.

Provided by Debs Recipes

Categories     Grains

Time 20m

Yield 3 cups, 4-5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well and drained
2 cups water or 2 cups broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 small onion, diced
1/2 bell pepper, diced (any combination of red, yellow, and green)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped toasted almonds or 1/4 cup sliced and chopped water chestnut

Steps:

  • Add quinoa to boiling water and salt; reduce heat then cover and simmer 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
  • Meanwhile, sauté onion and pepper in olive oil; add to cooked quinoa; add almonds or water chestnuts just before serving.

Tips:

  • Cook quinoa perfectly: Follow the precise cooking instructions provided in the recipe. The ideal water-to-quinoa ratio and cooking time are crucial for achieving perfectly cooked quinoa.
  • Use flavorful vegetables: Choose a variety of colorful vegetables that offer a mix of textures and flavors. Some great options include bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and leafy greens like spinach or arugula.
  • Make a tangy vinaigrette: The vinaigrette is what brings the whole salad together. Use a good quality olive oil and vinegar, and add some Dijon mustard, honey, and fresh herbs for extra flavor.
  • Add protein and crunch: Roasted chickpeas or tofu are great sources of plant-based protein and add a satisfying crunch to the salad. If you prefer, you can also use grilled chicken or shrimp.
  • Don't overmix: Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients without breaking up the quinoa or vegetables.

Conclusion:

The Skinny Confetti Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious dish that is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. With its colorful array of vegetables, tangy vinaigrette, and the protein of your choice, this salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, and don't forget to customize it with your favorite toppings and ingredients. Whether you're looking for a healthy meal or a delicious side dish, this salad is a great choice.

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