This sesame-spiked crispy quinoa salad is so unbelievably refreshing. We’re totally obsessed. Serve on it’s own or alongside grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, steak, or kabobs!
I’m a big fan of utilizing cucumbers during the summer months. I mix it together with Watermelon and Feta, make this Crowd-Pleasing Salsa to serve on my Sirloin Fajita Lettuce Wraps, and even use it for a fun twist on Bruschetta. I gotta tell you, my friends, this one here showcases cucumber in a way that takes it up to the next level of awesomeness.
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INGREDIENTS FOR THIS RECIPE:
I made these Crispy Rice Cakes for a “Sandwich Sushi” a few years ago, and I always wondered if I could make quinoa crunchy. Turns out, it’s easier than ever! I’m totally going to make more meals with it, so stay turned for those! Until then, here’s what you’ll need to make this fabulous dish:
CRISPY QUINOA:
- Cooked Tri-Color Quinoa
- Avocado Oil
- Salt
FOR THE SALAD:
- English Cucumber
- Avocado
- Cooked Edamame Beans
- Sesame Seeds
- Lime Wedges
SESAME-CALABRIAN SAUCE:
- Sesame Oil
- Chopped Calabrian Peppers
- Agave Nectar
- Rice Vinegar
- Liquid Aminos
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and a great source of fiber. It’s the perfect way to fit in your daily serving of greens and grains! I actually came up with this recipe while perusing the aisles at my local Earth Fare. With so many options for seasonal produce and ethnic flavors, this recipe came together in a snap! I served this alongside my Weeknight Grilled Sesame Chicken and it was a HUGE hit!
I absolutely love this as is, but you could also add any of the following into the mix!
- Pistachios
- Crumbled Feta
- Red Onion or Shallots
- Roasted or Sautéed Garlic Cloves
- Crushed Nori Leaves (dried seaweed)
- Green Olives
- Gochugaru Korean Chile Flakes
Please let me know if you try any of these and tell me what you think in the comments below! Or if you add a different ingredient, go ahead and list it so I can give it a try. Per the usual, my recipes are customizable and I encourage you to get creative in your kitchen.
MORE RECIPES YOU’LL SWOON FOR:
Super Refreshing Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Gochujang Chicken Thighs over Crispy Sushi Rice
Creamy and Versatile Miso Dressing
Our Favorite Korean Chicken Recipe
Super Easy Peanut Sesame Noodles
Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls with Pickled Vegetables
Bite-Sized Korean Beef Cream Cheese Wontons
Satay Peanut Butter Chicken Skewers
VIEW ALL RECIPES BY CLICKING HERE!
- 2 cups Cooked Quinoa
- 3 tbsp. Avocado Oil
- ½ tsp. Salt, optional
- 2 tbsp. Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp. Chopped Calabrian Peppers
- 1 tsp. Agave Nectar
- 1 tbsp. Rice Vinegar
- 1 tsp. Liquid Aminos
- 1 English Cucumber, cut into small chunks
- 1 Avocado, cut into chunks
- ½ cup Cooked Edamame Beans
- 1 tbsp. Sesame Seeds
- Lime wedges, optional
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Mix quinoa together with avocado oil and then spread evenly on a baking sheet that's lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes, making sure to stir halfway through. Pour onto a plate to cool while you assemble the salad.
- Whisk together all of the ingredients for the sesame-calabrien sauce and set aside.
- Place the chopped cucumber, avocado, edamame beans in a large bowl. Pour over the sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds and toss with crispy quinoa. Serve immediately with optional lime wedges.
NOTES ON THIS RECIPE:
- Whenever I prepare quinoa, I usually make several portions at once and then refrigerate the leftovers to use during the week. If you’re making the quinoa specifically for this recipe, you’ll need to add about 12 – 15 more minutes to your prep time to cook it.
- Cooked edamame beans can usually be found in the refrigerated section of your grocer’s produce department. They’re a super tasty ingredient in this recipe.
- Feel free to add more chopped Calabrian peppers to the sauce mix if you prefer more heat. I only added a tablespoon to keep this more on the mild side to please the masses. (Personally, if this was jut for me I’d add a bit more peppers!)
This post is sponsored in partnership with Earth Fare. Per the usual, all opinions here are mine alone and I would never recommend a product or grocery store that I did not immensely enjoy myself. Thank you for supporting the brands that support SliceOfJess.com!
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