Roasted Mushroom and Quinoa Salad with Tahini Dressing
A wholesome vegan salad featuring earthy roasted mushrooms, nutty quinoa, and a creamy tahini-lemon dressing. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes blends quinoa, water, sliced cremini mushrooms into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 12 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 clove, minced garlic clove
- 2-4 tbsp water (for dressing)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 12 oz sliced cremini mushrooms with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until mushrooms are golden and caramelized.
- Step 2: While mushrooms roast, rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. Combine quinoa and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tbsp water. Add up to 2 more tbsp water if needed to reach a creamy, pourable consistency.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted mushrooms, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Roasted Mushroom and Quinoa Salad with Tahini Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Roasted Mushroom and Quinoa Salad with Tahini Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Mushroom and Quinoa Salad with Tahini 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 Roasted Mushroom and Quinoa Salad with Tahini 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 Roasted Mushroom and Quinoa Salad with Tahini Dressing vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.