This lightning-fast Instant Pot Quinoa Spinach Salad has just three ingredients (plus a quick dressing) and it's ready in 30 minutes!
I almost didn't make this Instant Pot Quinoa Spinach Salad in my Instant Pot. I know that sounds crazy, especially since I'm fairly well-versed in the ways of the Instant Pot. You know, considering I've published several Instant Pot cookbooks!
Yet, for some crazy reason, I pulled out a pot and started turning on my stove to cook my quinoa. Suddenly I just don't recognize myself anymore. 😂
Everyone knows that Instant Pot quinoa is the easiest way to make it in the history of the world. Or at least you do now.
Quinoa Spinach Salad is one of the tastiest and healthiest meals you can make with such little effort. It's great with some rotisserie chicken thrown in, but you know what makes it even better? Chicken sausage!
Why You'll Love Instant Pot Quinoa Spinach Salad with Sausage
So Flavorful! - Chicken Sausage swaps so easily for plain ol' chicken! I'm a big fan of keeping chicken on hand, but chicken sausage has so much flavor which means a better dish in less time with less effort.
So. Easy. - This quinoa spinach salad has just three main ingredients: quinoa, spinach, and chicken sausage. THAT'S IT.
Simple and tasty dressing - Whip up a quick dressing to bring the flavors together. A little fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil (or avocado oil) and a teaspoon of Dijon. Couldn't be simpler!
Affordable & Filling - The few ingredients required are easy on the budget, and you probably have several of them in your kitchen already! Plus, the combination of protein-packed chicken sausage and fiber-rich quinoa makes this a hearty and satisfying dish.
Healthy - There are lots of nutrients in spinach, quinoa, and chicken sausage, making this a healthy meal choice.
Great for meal prep - This keeps well for several days, so make it to pack for lunches or to keep on hand when you need a quick bite.
Instant Pot Quinoa Spinach Salad with Sausage Ingredients Notes
- Chicken Sausage: You can use your favorite brand and flavor of chicken sausage. Experiment with different flavors for a twist. We love apple sausage, but it would be equally as delicious with Italian style, roasted garlic flavored, or even a sundried tomato flavored sausage.
- Quinoa: Regular or organic is fine. I used regular white quinoa, but you can have fun with it and try a mix of the different quinoa colors!
- Spinach: Fresh and crisp spinach is best picked from the produce section. Don't use frozen spinach for this one!
Find the complete Instant Pot Quinoa Salad ingredients list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How To Make Instant Pot Quinoa Spinach Salad with Sausage
- Sauté: Press "Sauté" to preheat your Instant Pot. When the word "hot" appears on the display, add a splash of olive oil and cook the sausage until it begins to brown, stirring occasionally, about five minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
- Cook quinoa: Add the quinoa to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in water, stir well, and scrape browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Close and lock the lid, press "Manual", and set the timer for 1 minute.
- Make the dressing: Stir together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, and dijon mustard.
- Release: Let the IP pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes. Remove the lid and let quinoa cool for a few minutes.
- Put it all together: Pour in the dressing and stir it into the quinoa. Add the spinach and stir to give it a chance to wilt, then stir in the sausage. Serve and enjoy!
Variations, Substitutions, and Cooking Tips
- Add more veggies: You could add all sorts of vegetables to this if you like. Chop up some cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans, bell peppers...any number will work and add a nice crunch.
- Swap the greens: Swap spinach with kale, arugula, or mixed salad greens for a different taste profile.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan on top for a creamy, tangy addition.
- Add fresh herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro to the salad for an extra burst of flavor.
- Swap the mustard: If you don't have Dijon mustard, substitute with whole grain mustard or omit it altogether.
- Quinoa alternatives: If you're not a fan of quinoa, try couscous, farro, barley, brown rice, or bulgur as alternatives. You'll just need to adjust the cook time.
Storage & Reheating
Instant Pot Quinoa Spinach Salad With Sausage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. I don't recommend freezing this one. When you're ready for the leftovers, they are equally good cold or at room temp, but if you like it warm, you can zap individual portions in the microwave in 60-second increments until you get to the desired temperature.
Instant Pot Quinoa Spinach Salad
This lightning-fast Instant Pot Quinoa Spinach Salad with sausage has just three ingredients (plus a quick dressing) and it’s ready in 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the salad
- 2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 package chicken sausage, chopped into small bite-sized pieces (any flavor)
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup water
- 3-4 cups fresh spinach leaves
For the dressing
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 oz extra-virgin olive oil, (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- coarse salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Press “Sauté” to preheat your Instant Pot. When the word “hot” appears on the display, add the olive oil. When oil is shimmering, add the sausage. Cook until the sausage is starting to brown, stirring occasionally, about five minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. Add the quinoa to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the water and stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot. Press “Manual” and immediately adjust the timer to 1 minute. Check that the cooking pressure is on “high” and that the release valve is set to “Sealing”.
- Meanwhile, make the dressing by mixing all the ingredients together. Set aside.
- When the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then remove the lid of the pot (release any remaining pressure, if necessary). Stir the quinoa and allow to cool a few minutes.
- Stir the dressing into the quinoa and mix to coat thoroughly. Add the spinach and mix it in to wilt it slightly. Add the reserved sausage and mix well.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 309Saturated Fat: 2gSodium: 40mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 3gProtein: 6g
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Monisha says
I made this this past Sunday and it was delicious! I used an Andouille chicken sausage I had in the freezer and added some chopped peppers (red/orange). I went very heavy on the black pepper and used chicken broth instead of water (I had some in the fridge that I wanted to finish). WOW! Definitely a hit. I'll be making this as a summer lunch/dinner often. Thank you!!
Jessica Ann Berry says
Stupid question: is this a hot or cold salad? I'd like throw in some cucumbers as suggested, so should I wait for it to cool?
Kristy says
It's definitely more of a warm/room temp salad. I'd wait for it to cool a bit for your cukes. I hope you like it! - Kristy
Deanna Pickle says
Definitely a recipe I am going to try soon.
Katie says
Another instant pot hero recipe! This looks delicious, and with only 3 ingredients, it can't go wrong!
Julie says
While I agree that the Instant Pot is a great way to make quinoa, I'd argue that making it in the microwave is actually the easiest way to make it in the history of the world, just because my microwave is already always out on the counter versus having to drag my Instant Pot out from the cabinet. 😉 But I do love that this is cooked in the sausage fat for extra flavor!
Kristy says
Hi Julie! The microwave is indeed a fast way to make it, but in my tests, the texture is far superior in the IP. Add that to the fact that you can toast it right in the pot for more flavor (if desired) and the IP takes it for the win. 🙂
Kelsey says
I love what you can do in an instant pot! I love that you make a delicious salad! Love it!
Kitty says
Chicken sausage is one of my favorites for dinner! Also love quinoa so I have to try this recipe!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Wow, this salad looks so yummy and so easy! I need to get an instant pot asap!
Jordan says
I've finally started using my instant pot and I'm in LOVE! It makes life so much easier. I can't wait to try this recipe out.
Sues says
Quinoa and chicken sausage is most definitely the way to my heart. This looks delicious!
Kristina says
What a great instant pot recipe! I love finding new ways to use my instant pot! Cannot wait to try this out!
Sri Mallya says
The combo sounds amazing. Looks so light and delicious. Loved it totally. Pinned.
David says
Such a delicious and healthy recipe! I definitely need to get an Instapot!
Sanna says
I have always eaten quinoa in place of rice and have yet to put it in a salad. This combination of spinach, chicken sausage and quinoa sounds so delicious!
Kristy says
Thank you, Sanna!
Nicolas Hortense says
This really makes me want to buy an instant pot!! Looks so easy to make, yet well thought out (:
Jyothi (Jo) says
I think making salads that are not any more boring is very important if one is on healthy eating regime. Begone boring bland salads, this is perfect salad for me. Not just looks gorgeous but the flavors in it is just perfect! I can't get over your beautiful salad photos!
Kristy says
Thanks so much, Jo! 🙂
Kelly Anthony says
What a perfect pairing! Plus...I love ALL these things! Great recipe 🙂
Annemarie says
This looks so easy and delicious! I haven't made quinoa in my Instant Pot yet. What have I been thinking?!
Gloria says
Well this looks like a hearty and nutritious dish. Perfect for lunch, dinner....and of course a great party dish too.
Lindsay Cotter says
This is a must make for dinner! So easy in the instant pot!
Jennifer Blake says
Yum Yum Yum - now I know exactly what I'm doing with the sausage in my freezer that I forgot I had! Hearty yet light lunch or dinner. Love it!
Jacqui Bellefontaine says
this look delicicous. I need more quinoa in my life, this looks like a good place to start
Liz says
I love everything about this quinoa salad! Simple, yet full of flavor!!
Kristy says
Thanks, Liz!
Sarah J. says
I'm going to make this tomorrow!