This Italian Quinoa Salad is protein packed, super tasty and filling - you will love how quick it comes together! Fresh vegetables and cheese are perfect with a light dressing.
We've been eating a lot lately - there I'm just putting it out there! So now you know! With just getting back from vacation, visits from the kids, a retirement party, charity fundraiser and just NOT wanting to watch it, oh boy it is time to get back on track.
This past weekend I stocked up on fresh veggies, fruits, lean meats and whole grains. Hence this tasty quinoa creation with an Italian flair!
Now I'm sure some of you are thinking you can't wait until summer, your gardens come in and you can have fresh produce at your door step. Right? Well, I also have to admit that we are having no garden this year.
Shocking after having one for almost 20 years but with the 2 of us, I've made enough salsa to provide for a small army and put up enough tomatoes for gallons of sauce. We (more I) decided to call it quits. The DIY Guy was really OK with it - we both were getting tired of weeding, watering and tending to the veggies.
I will plan on having some herb pots on the deck and for anything else, I'll be heading down to our wonderful farmer's market because I know I'll be wanting to make this recipe all summer long.
Ingredients
- quinoa
- cucumber
- grape or cherry tomatoes
- mozzarella cheese
- fresh basil
- olive oil
- balsamic vinegar
- salt
- pepper
- italian seasoning
I'm sure you are wanting to grab a fork and dig right in! Be sure to put this one on your picnic list.
Get the Recipe
Italian Quinoa Salad
A healthy salad with quinoa with an Italian flair
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry Quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup diced cucumber (seeded, leave skin on)
- 1 cup diced grape tomatoes
- ½ cup diced mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried)
Instructions
- Prepare Quinoa according to directions with the 2 cups water
- Cook until done, drain if necessary and then let cool in refrigerator for about 20 minutes
- In a medium bowl whisk together the olive, oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning
- Toss in tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella cheese and basil; stir gently
- Add cooled quinoa and mix well
- Keep chilled for at least 90 minutes for flavors to blend.
- Keeps in refrigerator for about 4-5 days
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 225Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 154mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 7g
Nutritional information provided is computer-generated and only an estimate. You may want to do your own research with the ingredients listed if you have concerns about health or specific diets.
Other salads you might enjoy - Mexican Quinoa and Chopped Greek Panzanella
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Marcie FlavortheMoments says
No garden, huh? I'll bet it must be hard staying on top of it, and I hate wasting food! I really want one, but I'm afraid it'll stress me out trying to use everything up. haha This is the best kind of meal to get back on track with, Deb -- it looks delicious!
Jamie Sherman says
This dish looks so light and fresh, Deb! Great way to get back on track!
Lyubomira L says
Love quinoa and this is a gorgeous salad!
Kacey Joanette says
This salad reminds me a lot of the one I purchase at the grocery store. It will be nice to make my own from now on!
Krista Rollins says
Gorgeous! I love quinoa salads and this sounds so light and fresh!
Amy Stafford says
I hear you, the last month I have not been eating very clean, and I have been working to get back on track too. This recipe looks perfect for doing just that!
Beth Baumgartner says
Quinoa salad is just perfect for summer! I couldn't keep a garden if I tried.. I somehow killed my potted plant within the last two weeks 🙁
Cathy Trochelman says
Great idea! I love the simplicity of this and the classic flavors....a good way to convert people still on the fence about quinoa!!
Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Hand me a fork, please! This is my kind of meal!
Ginnie says
Mmm ... this looks wonderful! I need to get back on track, too. 🙂