Best 2 Pesto Quinoa Salad Recipes

PESTO QUINOA SALAD

Pesto Quinoa Salad image

My daughter-in-law got me hooked on quinoa, and I'm so glad she did! I've been substituting quinoa in some of my favorite pasta recipes, and this dish is the happy result of one of those experiments. I love using my garden tomatoes and peppers in this salad; however, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers are equally delicious. -Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2/3 cup water
1/3 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 tablespoons prepared pesto
1 tablespoon finely chopped sweet onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
2/3 cup fresh mozzarella cheese pearls (about 4 ounces)
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil, optional

Steps:

In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil; stir in quinoa. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until liquid is absorbed, 10-12 minutes. Cool slightly., Mix pesto, onion, oil, vinegar and salt; stir in pepper, tomatoes, cheese and quinoa. Refrigerate, covered, to allow flavors to blend, 1-2 hours. If desired, stir in basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 183 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 268mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

PARSLEY WALNUT PESTO QUINOA SALAD

Parsley Walnut Pesto Quinoa Salad image

A seriously amazing and fresh salad; the epitome of healthy and nutrition-packed. I served this over fresh baby kale with balsamic dressing on the side for those that want a more robust flavor. This is amazing with the addition of garlic! Serve cold or at room temperature.

Provided by Tami Jones

Categories Salad Grains Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup water
½ cup quinoa
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup fresh parsley
¼ cup walnuts
2 tablespoons olive oil, or more as needed
1 cup diced tomato
1 cup diced baby cucumber
¼ cup sliced leeks
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese, or more to taste
sea salt to taste

Steps:

Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add broccoli, cover the saucepan, and steam until broccoli is tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
Puree parsley, walnuts, and olive oil together in a blender or food processor until sauce is smooth.
Stir quinoa, broccoli, tomato, cucumber, and leeks together in a large bowl. Pour parsley sauce over quinoa mixture and toss to coat completely. Sprinkle blue cheese over the top and season with sea salt.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 254.2 calories, Carbohydrate 22.6 g, Cholesterol 6.3 mg, Fat 15.8 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 8.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 228.4 mg, Sugar 3.1 g