If you’re on the hunt for something vibrant, nourishing, and completely packed with flavor, let me introduce you to Cabbage Quinoa Salad. This fresh, colorful salad is a celebration of crunchy cabbage, creamy avocado, nutty quinoa, and herby goodness coming together in a single bowl. It’s the kind of dish that feels light yet satisfies, and every bite feels like a mini Mediterranean vacation. Whether you want an energizing lunch, a show-stopping potluck contribution, or just something wholesome and quick, Cabbage Quinoa Salad is the answer you’ll keep returning to over and over.

Cabbage Quinoa Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is truly in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something special to the table, whether it’s crunch, creaminess, or a hit of tangy flavor. Don’t skip these; every one is integral to building the perfect Cabbage Quinoa Salad!

Quinoa, cooked: The hearty, protein-rich base that gives the salad a delightful nuttiness and keeps you full for hours.
Avocado: Adds a creamy texture and subtle buttery flavor—look for perfectly ripe avocados for the best experience.
Feta cheese, crumbled: Provides a salty tang and brings everything together with its irresistible creaminess.
Garlic, minced: Just a little for big flavor; it lifts the whole salad with that unmistakable aromatic punch.
Scallions, chopped: Adds a bit of oniony bite with a gentle freshness that won’t overpower.
Olive oil: Rich, smooth, and simply a must for blending the flavors and ensuring every bite is luscious.
Cabbage, chopped: The foundation of crunch, color, and freshness—choose red or green for your preferred pop.
Olives, pitted & chopped: Bring a briny, savory note that makes every forkful more interesting.
Red bell pepper: Sweetness and vibrant color, balancing out earthier flavors.
Tomato, thinly chopped (optional): Adds succulence and extra freshness for a juicier bite.
Parsley, chopped: A shower of green that brings herby brightness and layers in loads of flavor.
Basil, chopped: Infuses the salad with an aromatic, slightly sweet note that elevates the whole dish.
Fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste: This simple seasoning brightens everything and takes the salad straight to “crave-worthy.”

How to Make Cabbage Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Prep and Chop

Start by gathering all your ingredients and giving your veggies some love—this means chopping the cabbage, avocado, scallions, red bell pepper, tomato (if using), and fresh herbs into bite-sized pieces or a fine mince, depending on your texture preference. Chop the olives and mince the garlic, too. Prepping everything first makes the final assembly quick and seamless, and it also ensures you’ll get a lovely combination of flavors in every forkful.

Step 2: Combine in a Bowl

Now comes the gratifying part! Add your cooked quinoa, all the freshly chopped vegetables, herbs, feta, olives, and garlic into a large salad bowl. Drizzle over the olive oil, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice, and give it a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mixing everything together gently will distribute the flavors so that that each ingredient can shine without losing its distinct bite.

Step 3: Toss and Taste

Use a big spoon or salad tongs to toss the salad until the avocado starts to melt a little into the quinoa and everything is dressed and evenly combined. Pause and taste—this is your opportunity to adjust with a little more lemon, salt, or pepper if needed. The balance of flavors is what makes Cabbage Quinoa Salad so craveable, so don’t be afraid to tweak it to your liking!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the creamy avocado at its peak, or chill it for a short while if you like an even colder, crisper bite. If you’re planning to eat some later, consider adding avocado and tomato just before serving so everything stays fresh and bright. The salad looks gorgeous as-is or topped with a few extra herbs and a sprinkle more of feta.

How to Serve Cabbage Quinoa Salad

Garnishes

Go ahead and finish your Cabbage Quinoa Salad with a flourish! A scattering of chopped parsley or basil makes the colors pop, and a final crumble of feta takes the creaminess up a notch. I also love adding a few whole or sliced olives and a wedge of lemon for squeezing at the table. If you’re feeling extra fancy, toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower can really add depth and crunch.

Side Dishes

This salad stands perfectly on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or a platter of warm pita and hummus. For a picnic or potluck, pair it with a simple soup or a mezze board of cheeses and dips—the refreshing flavors of Cabbage Quinoa Salad complement almost anything!

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Try serving your salad in halved avocado shells or piled high in crisp lettuce cups for fun, hand-held bites. You can also stuff it into a pita pocket for a hearty lunch, or spread it over a platter as part of a Mediterranean-inspired feast. No matter the vessel, the vibrant colors and textures of Cabbage Quinoa Salad always steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the avocado and tomato, this salad is best enjoyed the same day, as these ingredients can soften and discolor. For a make-ahead version, simply hold off on adding avocado and tomato until you’re ready to eat—this way, your Cabbage Quinoa Salad will stay bright and fresh for up to 24 hours.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the fresh veggies and leafy herbs lose their crispness and vibrant flavor after thawing. It’s definitely a dish that shines brightest when enjoyed fresh, so try to make only what you’ll eat within a day or so for the best texture and color.

Reheating

Cabbage Quinoa Salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, which means no reheating is required. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes before eating to take the chill off. If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, you can very gently microwave it for a few seconds—just keep in mind that avocado and leafy herbs are best enjoyed cold.

FAQs

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?

Definitely! While quinoa offers a lovely texture and is naturally gluten-free, you could substitute with cooked bulgur, farro, millet, or even couscous if you like. Just be sure to use a grain with a similar lightness to keep the salad’s fresh feel alive.

How can I make Cabbage Quinoa Salad vegan?

Easy! Simply leave out the feta cheese or use your favorite plant-based feta alternative. Everything else in the recipe is already vegan-friendly, so you’ll end up with a completely plant-powered salad that’s every bit as satisfying.

What kind of cabbage works best?

Both green and red (or purple) cabbage will work beautifully in Cabbage Quinoa Salad. Red cabbage gives a stunning color contrast, while green tends to be a bit milder and softer. You can even mix both for extra crunch and visual appeal!

Can I add extra protein?

Absolutely! Toss in some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even hard-boiled eggs for added protein. Quinoa itself is already a great plant-based protein, but more never hurts if you want to turn it into a heartier meal.

Is this salad good for meal prepping?

It can be, especially if you leave out the avocado and tomato until just before serving. The rest of the Cabbage Quinoa Salad holds up well in the fridge and makes for a quick, healthy grab-and-go lunch or dinner option throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about this salad that feels like pure happiness in a bowl—fresh, filling, and endlessly customizable. If you’ve never tried Cabbage Quinoa Salad before, now’s the time! Grab your ingredients and make a big, beautiful batch—you might just find your new go-to favorite.

Cabbage Quinoa Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and nutritious Cabbage Quinoa Salad that is packed with flavors and textures. This salad is a perfect light meal or side dish, combining the goodness of quinoa, fresh vegetables, and herbs with a tangy dressing.

Instructions

Chop all vegetables and other ingredients that need to be chopped. Prepare the quinoa and chop all the vegetables and herbs as needed.
Add everything to a bowl and mix together. Combine all the prepared ingredients in a large bowl.
Serve immediately and store leftovers in the fridge. Enjoy the salad fresh, and if storing, omit avocado and tomato for longer shelf life.