Best 2 Summer Fresh Quinoa Salad Recipes

Indulge in a culinary adventure with our refreshing Quinoa Salad, a vibrant symphony of flavors and textures. This versatile dish bursts with the essence of summer, featuring tender quinoa, crisp vegetables, juicy fruits, and tangy dressing. Discover three irresistible variations:

- **Classic Summer Quinoa Salad:** Experience the timeless appeal of this classic recipe, where garden-fresh vegetables, sweet fruits, and nutty quinoa harmoniously blend together.

- **Mediterranean Quinoa Salad:** Embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with this vibrant salad, infused with aromatic herbs, sun-kissed tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese.

- **Tropical Quinoa Salad:** Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this exotic salad, featuring juicy mango, sweet pineapple, and a hint of zesty lime dressing.

Each variation promises a delightful experience, catering to diverse palates and preferences. Let your taste buds dance with joy as you savor the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

QUINOA SUMMER SALAD

Quinoa Summer Salad image

If you are looking for something different and distinct to bring to a summer barbeque, you have found the perfect recipe. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian. The lack of allergy-inducing ingredients does not reflect the intense sensory-flavor experience you and your guests will enjoy.

Provided by Laura Violet

Categories Salad Grains Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 4h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

4 cups water
1 cup white quinoa
1 cup red quinoa
1 ½ large red onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon sea salt
12 grinds black pepper from a grinder
¼ cup olive oil
2 limes, juiced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

Bring water to a boil in a pot; add white quinoa and red quinoa. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed, 15 minutes. Set quinoa aside to cool while you complete the remaining steps.
Combine red onions, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, sea salt, and black pepper together in a bowl. Stir in white and red quinoa.
Whisk olive oil and lime juice together in a separate bowl; pour over quinoa mixture. Stir to coat. Add cilantro and stir to incorporate. Cover salad and refrigerate for flavors to blend, at least 4 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 239.1 calories, Carbohydrate 32.9 g, Fat 9.5 g, Fiber 4.9 g, Protein 6.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 235.6 mg, Sugar 2.3 g

SUMMER-FRESH QUINOA SALAD

Summer-Fresh Quinoa Salad image

"This light and refreshing salad is easy to prepare and perfect for hot summer days. I often add zucchini or summer squash and use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried." Liz Gadbois - Woodville, WI

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 cups quinoa, rinsed
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 each medium green, sweet red and yellow peppers, chopped
6 green onions, thinly sliced
1 package (4 ounces) crumbled garlic and herb feta cheese
1/2 cup reduced-fat sun-dried tomato salad dressing, divided

Steps:

Cook quinoa according to package directions. Transfer to a large bowl; cool completely. , In a small bowl, combine water and tomatoes; let stand for 5 minutes. Drain and chop tomatoes; add to quinoa. Stir in the cucumber, peppers, onions, cheese and 1/4 cup salad dressing., Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Just before serving, stir in remaining salad dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 148 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 248mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

Use fresh, ripe ingredients for the best flavor.
Quinoa can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To save time, you can use pre-cooked quinoa.
Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as chopped bell peppers, carrots, or celery.
If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

This summer fresh quinoa salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and quinoa, and it is dressed with a light and flavorful vinaigrette. This salad is also a great way to use up leftover quinoa. So next time you have a bunch of leftover quinoa, give this salad a try. You won't be disappointed!