Trader Joe’s Quinoa Salad Recipe | Fresh, Healthy & Ready in Minutes

Craving something light, refreshing, and packed with flavour? My Trader Joe’s Quinoa Salad Recipe is the ultimate answer. It’s quick to make, bursting with crunchy vegetables, a hint of sweetness from pineapple, and the nutty goodness of toasted almonds. Plus, it’s tossed in Trader Joe’s fan-favourite Organic Toasted Sesame Dressing, making every bite tangy, nutty, and satisfying.

This salad isn’t just healthy, it’s also the perfect make-ahead lunch, picnic side dish, or light dinner option. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving it at a summer barbecue, this quinoa salad will disappear fast!

Salad Preparation

When it comes to making this Trader Joe’s Quinoa Salad, the real beauty lies in its simplicity. You don’t need hours in the kitchen, just a few easy steps, and you’ll have a wholesome, flavorful salad ready to serve.

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Start by rinsing 1 cup of Trader Joe’s Organic Tricolour Quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Add it to a medium pot with 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth for extra flavour). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes, until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid is absorbed. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Steam the Snap Peas

While the quinoa cooks, lightly steam the Trader Joe’s Sugar Snap Peas. They only need about 3–4 minutes, just enough to stay crisp and vibrant green. Once done, transfer them to a cutting board and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Veggies & Fruit

Shred 1 cup of carrots and chop two green onions. If using frozen pineapple tidbits, make sure they’re thawed and drained well to avoid excess liquid in the salad.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa, snap peas, pineapple, and shredded carrots. Drizzle with ⅓ cup Trader Joe’s Organic Toasted Sesame Dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Finish by sprinkling ¾ cup toasted sliced almonds and the chopped green onions on top. Gently fold everything together, then serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

This step-by-step process ensures every bite of the salad is crunchy, nutty, tangy, and refreshing all at once.

Serving and Flavour Variations

This quinoa salad is versatile enough to be enjoyed in so many ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, a side, or prepping it for the week, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

How to Serve Trader Joe’s Quinoa Salad

• As a Main Dish: Thanks to the protein-packed quinoa and crunchy almonds, this salad is filling enough to enjoy on its own for lunch or dinner.
  
• As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or tofu for a complete meal.
  
• For Picnics or Potlucks: This salad is a crowd-pleaser that holds up well, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings and family get-togethers.
  

Flavourr Variations to Try

One of my favourite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize with other Trader Joe’s finds. Here are some tasty twists:

• Mediterranean Twist: Swap pineapple for cherry tomatoes, add crumbled feta, and toss in TJ’s Olive Tapenade.
  
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of TJ’s Chilli Onion Crunch for extra heat.
  
• Protein Boost: Mix in grilled shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or roasted chickpeas.
  
• Extra Crunch: Substitute almonds with TJ’s Everything but the Bagel Nut Duo or pumpkin seeds for a fun flavour spin.
  

Pairing Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with refreshing beverages like iced green tea, sparkling water with lime, or even a crisp white wine. It’s light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, making it the star of any table.

Storage Instructions

One of the best parts about this salad is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Keeping the Salad Fresh

• Store the quinoa salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  
• For the freshest taste and texture, keep the dressing separate and drizzle it just before serving if you’re prepping ahead.
  
• If the almonds lose their crunch, add a fresh sprinkle before serving to bring back that nutty bite.
  

Can You Freeze It?

Freezing is not recommended for this salad since quinoa, pineapple, and snap peas don’t thaw well and can turn mushy. Stick to refrigerating for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this quinoa salad ahead of time?

Yes! This quinoa salad is excellent for meal prep. Cook the quinoa, prep the veggies, and store everything in the fridge. For the best texture, add the dressing and almonds just before serving.

2. How long does Trader Joe’s Quinoa Salad last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, store the dressing separately and add it when ready to serve.

3. Can I use regular quinoa instead of tricolored quinoa?

Absolutely. Any variety of quinoa works well; white quinoa will give a softer texture, while red or black quinoa adds more nuttiness and bite. Trader Joe’s Organic Tricolour Quinoa is just a pretty and flavorful mix.

4. What can I use instead of the sesame dressing?

Suppose you don’t have Trader Joe’s Toasted Sesame Dressing. In that case, you can substitute it with their Soyaki Sauce, Green Goddess Dressing, or even a simple homemade vinaigrette with olive oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of soy sauce.

5. Is this quinoa salad vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients listed are naturally vegan and gluten-free. Just make sure to double-check the label on your dressing if you use an alternative.

6. Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, baked salmon, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas make this salad even more filling while keeping it healthy and balanced.

7. What other Trader Joe’s products can I add for variety?

Some great mix-ins include TJ’s roasted corn, avocado, cucumber, Everything but the Bagel seasoning, or even a handful of dried cranberries for a sweet-tasting flavour.

Conclusion

My Trader Joe’s Quinoa Salad Recipe is more than just a salad; it’s a vibrant, flavour-packed dish that’s healthy, quick, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, a colourful side for dinner, or something special to share at your next gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes.

With its crunchy snap peas, juicy pineapple, nutty quinoa, and that signature sesame dressing, every bite feels refreshing and satisfying. And the best part? All the ingredients come straight from Trader Joe’s, making shopping and prepping a breeze.

So, next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, grab these simple ingredients and whip up this salad; you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!