• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Seasonal Cravings

Healthy Gluten Free Recipes

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Gluten Free
    • Gluten Free For Beginners
    • Printable Gluten Free Food List
    • Gluten Free Diet Meal Plan
    • 100 Gluten Free Lunch Ideas for Kids
    • 20 Best Gluten Free Products at Trader Joe's
    • How To Meal Plan
    • Clean Eating For Beginners
    • Clean Eating Pantry Staples
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Cocktails
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Instant Pot
    • Salads
    • Slow Cooker
    • Soups
    • Smoothies
  • Portfolio
  • About
    • About Karen
    • Contact
    • Disclaimer | Policies
    • Food Blogging Resources
go to homepage
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Gluten Free Guide
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Salads » California Quinoa Salad (Whole Foods Copycat)

    California Quinoa Salad (Whole Foods Copycat)

    Published: Jan 19, 2019 Modified: Apr 16, 2020 by Karen Kelly This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    This fresh California Quinoa Salad is a meal prep win.  Make it on Sunday and pack it with whatever vegetables you have on hand. You'll have healthy gluten free lunches all week! {gluten free}

    Whole Foods Quinoa Salad in a white bowl

    Wouldn't it be nice if the salad fairy came every Sunday and stocked our fridges with healthy, protein filled salads that we could eat all week?  Well, you are that salad fairy. Make it happen.  

    Try it just one week and you'll be hooked. When I don't have a salad made I eat whatever is in sight and it's usually not pretty.

    This salad is a re-make of a Whole Foods favorite called California Quinoa.  I made a few minor adjustments based on my taste and I added sunflower sprouts.

    A note about sprouts.  I have just discovered that my Whole Foods carries a new brand of sprouts from a local grower that I trust.  

    Sprouts are seriously good for you but not always easy to find.  These are clearly optional and the salad will be just as delicious without them. 

    If you would like to learn more about the health benefits of sprouts visit Dr. Mercola's website.  

    I have just read his new book Effortless Healing and it's a good read for anyone who wants to use food to improve their health.

    Whole Foods Market Quinoa Salad in a bowl with a big spoon

    This salad has delicious flavors with the flaked coconut, almond and honey dressing.  It's a bit sweet with lots of crunch from the veggies and freshness from the cilantro.  

    Feel free to substitute basil or parsley if you don't like cilantro.  

    Add any extra veggies you have lying around like cucumbers, tomatoes or carrots.

    Need More Fresh Salads In Your Life?

    • Roasted Cauliflower Bowl
    • Arugula and Orange Salad
    • Healthy Chopped Salad 

    More Sunny Quinoa Salad Recipes:

    • Mediterranean Quinoa Chickpea Bowl
    • Indonesian Beef and Quinoa Bowl
    • Detox Quinoa Salad with Turmeric Tahini Dressing
    • Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Eggs, Tomatoes and Avocado

    Whole Foods California Quinoa Salad in a plastic container

    If you plan to keep this in the refrigerator for the week, best if you leave the dressing off and dress it just prior to eating. Lucky me, I have my lunch ready to go!

    Whole Foods Quinoa Salad

    A delicious, healthy, gluten free salad to eat all week.
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Keyword: Whole Foods Quinoa Salad
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes
    Total Time: 32 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 299kcal
    Author: Karen Kelly

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup dry quinoa
    • 2 cups water
    • ½ small red pepper diced small
    • ¼ red onion diced small
    • ½ cup flaked unsweetened coconut
    • ½ cup chopped almonds
    • 1 cup frozen edamame thawed
    • ½ cup cilantro chopped
    • 1 cup sunflowers sprouts optional, washed and chopped
    • Dressing:
    • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • juice and zest of 2 limes
    • 1 ½ tbsp honey
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Cook the quinoa according to package directions.
    • Put all ingredients for dressing in a mason jar and shake well.
    • In a large bowl toss all remaining ingredients. Add the cooled quinoa and top with dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss and enjoy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 435mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 400IU | Vitamin C: 14.9mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 4.5mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @seasonal_cravings or tag #seasonal_cravings and I will repost on my stories.

     

    About Karen Kelly

    Hi, I'm Karen Kelly a certified health coach. At Seasonal Cravings, you will find wholesome gluten free recipes and healthy lifestyle tips.

    Previous Post: « Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas
    Next Post: Quinoa Breakfast Bowl »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christine

      March 19, 2015 at 6:00 pm

      5 stars
      I love that you are researching and creating recipes that promote good health. Can't wait to make this!

      Reply

    Tell Us What You Think Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hello!

    I'm Karen Kelly a food photographer and recipe creator. At Seasonal Cravings you will find quick, gluten free recipes made with seasonal ingredients. Let's get cooking!

    ABOUT KAREN»

    Popular

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal

    Broccolini and Quinoa Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing

    Plum and Pomegranate Toast

    Sausage and Bok Choy Grain Bowl with Creamy Tahini Dressing

    Sheet Pan Cod with Butternut Squash

    Gluten Free Kung Pao Chicken

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Disclaimer | Policies
    • Portfolio

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2021 Seasonal Cravings