Description
This Quick and Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe is the perfect summer salad. Cooked quinoa, mixed with fresh fruits and vegetables - tomatoes, mandarin oranges, cucumber, bell peppers, red onions, and then tossed with balsamic vinaigrette. It is fresh and light and can be ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 10 cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 11 ounce can mandarin oranges
- 1 small cucumber, chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette, more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the quinoa as per the directions on the package. (I like to replace the water with chicken stock for added flavor.)
- To a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa, tomatoes, peppers, mandarins, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Toss to combine.
- Pour the vinaigrette over top before serving and toss again.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Add a protein: Make this easy quinoa salad a full meal deal by adding a protein like chicken, shrimp, prosciutto, salami, or salmon.
- Add cheese: This is also delicious with some crumbled feta, goat cheese, or fresh mozzarella cheese added.
- Use stock: I like to replace the water with chicken stock when cooking the quinoa. It gives it an extra burst of flavor. For a vegetarian quinoa salad, you can use vegetable stock.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad Recipes
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American