The Only Quinoa Salad You'll Ever Need

If you're looking for a refreshing, hearty, and ridiculously delicious salad to add to your rotation... this is it. Lately, I cannot stop eating this quinoa salad — it’s honestly one of my favorite salads ever. The flavor combination is just soooo good: creamy avocado, sweet raisins, crunchy almonds, hearty beans and chicken, tangy feta, and a bright, citrusy vinaigrette that ties everything together.

Every bite is packed with texture, flavor, and serious feel-good nutrition. Whether you're craving a satisfying lunch, a post-workout meal, or a new meal prep idea, this salad checks all the boxes.

Bonus: it’s loaded with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and just the right amount of carbs to keep you feeling your best.

Refreshing Quinoa Salad Recipe

(This recipe makes 1 serving — perfect for meal prepping multiple servings if you want!)

Ingredients:

• 150g cooked white quinoa

• 62.5g organic great northern beans

• 25g raw carrots, shredded or thinly sliced

• 10g raw almonds, chopped

• ¼ cup raw fennel, chopped

• 20g avocado (black skin variety)

• 28g sheep’s milk feta cheese (I used Tnuva brand)

• 45g cooked, skinless chicken breast

• 20g organic raisins

• 2c chopped greens

For the Vinaigrette:

• 2 tablespoons 100% orange juice (with pulp)

• 2 tablespoons organic apple cider vinegar

• 3g organic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

• Salt & pepper to taste
  

Macros per Serving:

• Calories: 605

• Protein: 33g

• Carbs: 69g

• Fats: 22g
  

Meal Prep Tip

While this is written for a single serving, it's easy to scale up if you want to meal prep for the week! Here’s how I do it: Multiply each portion by 5, then....

• Cook a big batch of quinoa and chicken at the start of the week.

• Chop the carrots, fennel, and almonds ahead of time.

• Make a big batch of vinaigrette

• Then measure and weigh out 5 individual portions in ready-to-go containers and you've got your week's lunches all set up to grab and GO!
  

What's great about this salad is that it doesn't get soggy - so you can mix everything right away!

Why These Ingredients Are So Good for You

• Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. It's also packed with fiber and minerals like magnesium and iron, making it a powerhouse base for a satisfying meal.

• Great Northern Beans add extra fiber and plant-based protein, supporting digestion and giving you long-lasting energy.

• Fennel isn't just a crunchy, slightly sweet addition — it's amazing for digestion. Fennel contains compounds that can help reduce bloating and support gut health naturally.

• Carrots bring a fresh crunch and a big boost of antioxidants, especially beta-carotene, which supports healthy skin and immune function.

• Almonds add healthy fats, vitamin E, and a satisfying crunch that balances out the soft ingredients.

• Avocado offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium, helping to keep you full and support smooth digestion.

• Sheep’s Milk Feta (like Tnuva brand) tends to be easier to digest for many people compared to cow's milk cheeses, and it brings a rich, creamy tang that makes every bite pop.

• Chicken Breast boosts the protein content even higher, making this salad truly filling and perfect for post-workout recovery.

• Raisins add a touch of natural sweetness and are packed with iron, antioxidants, and quick-digesting carbs for balanced energy.

• Orange Juice + Apple Cider Vinegar Vinaigrette — The fresh orange juice brightens the salad with a little natural sweetness, while the apple cider vinegar not only adds tang but also supports digestion and blood sugar balance. (Seriously, ACV is magic.)

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil ties it all together with healthy fats that support brain, heart, and hormone health.
  

If you're bored of basic salads or tired of trying to force down something "healthy," trust me — this salad will change your mind. It’s hearty, satisfying, packed with vibrant flavors, and genuinely a joy to eat.

Once you try it, you'll understand why I’m calling it: The Only Quinoa Salad You'll Ever Need. 

With love and good food, Kelly + the Wild Sage Team