High-Protein Quinoa Salad with Edamame and Sesame Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, protein-packed quinoa salad tossed with shelled edamame and fresh veggies, dressed in a tangy sesame vinaigrette for an easy meal prep lunch. This Asian Fusion-inspired meal-prep recipe (vegetarian, high protein), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs quinoa, water, frozen shelled edamame for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dry quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, steam 1 1/2 cups frozen shelled edamame in a steamer basket over boiling water for 5 minutes until tender. Drain and cool.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cooled edamame, 1 large shredded carrot, 1 diced red bell pepper, 3 thinly sliced green onions, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds on top before dividing into containers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does High-Protein Quinoa Salad with Edamame and Sesame Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover High-Protein Quinoa Salad with Edamame and Sesame Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in High-Protein Quinoa Salad with Edamame and Sesame Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale High-Protein Quinoa Salad with Edamame and Sesame Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is High-Protein Quinoa Salad with Edamame and Sesame Dressing vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, high protein, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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