Best 8 Summer Quinoa Salad Recipes

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Quinoa salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is made with cooked quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. This recipe includes variations for different dietary preferences, such as a vegan option and a gluten-free option. The salad is also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.

In this article, we will provide you with two delicious quinoa salad recipes: a classic quinoa salad and a Mexican-inspired quinoa salad. The classic quinoa salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that is made with cooked quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. The Mexican-inspired quinoa salad is a more flavorful variation that includes black beans, corn, and a spicy dressing. Both salads are easy to make and can be tailored to your own dietary preferences. So, gather your ingredients and let's get started!

Let's cook with our recipes!

QUINOA SUMMER SALAD WITH FETA



Quinoa Summer Salad with Feta image

This a great healthy side dish or a quick lunch, if you have more than one serving.

Provided by Elizabeth

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa
1 (4 ounce) package feta cheese, crumbled
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
1 roma (plum) tomato, diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

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 has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Refrigerate quinoa in a large bowl until cool, about 30 minutes.
  • Stir feta cheese, cucumber, tomato, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, dill weed, salt, and black pepper into quinoa.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 269.8 calories, Carbohydrate 30.8 g, Cholesterol 25.1 mg, Fat 11.9 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 10.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 911.7 mg, Sugar 2.3 g

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

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 QUINOA-TOMATO SALAD



Summer Quinoa-Tomato Salad image

The fresh flavors of summer come together in this hearty and delicious vegetarian salad made with quinoa, tomatoes and red onion.

Provided by By Arlene Cummings

Categories     Entree

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups cooked quinoa
2 large tomatoes, quartered, cut into cubes
1/4 medium red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Dash sugar
Grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cool cooked quinoa. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, toss tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, parsley, oil and vinegar. Season with salt, pepper and sugar.
  • Spread cooled cooked quinoa in large serving bowl or on small platter; spoon tomato salad over top. Cover; refrigerate until serving time.
  • Before serving, sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving

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

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

SUMMER FRUIT QUINOA SALAD RECIPE BY TASTY



Summer Fruit Quinoa Salad Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: water, orange juice, quinoa, strawberry, blueberry, mango, fresh basil, lime juice, honey

Provided by Merle O'Neal

Categories     Lunch

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup water
1 ½ cups orange juice
1 cup quinoa
strawberry
blueberry
mango, cubed
fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
½ cup lime juice
1 tablespoon honey

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan bring water and orange juice to a boil then add quinoa, cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes.
  • Add quinoa to a bowl. Top with strawberries, blueberries, and mangoes.
  • In a small bowl, mix lime juice, and honey. Drizzle dressing over the quinoa and mix.
  • Top with basil.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418 calories, Carbohydrate 83 grams, Fat 5 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 12 grams, Sugar 21 grams

SUMMER QUINOA SALAD



Summer Quinoa Salad image

Loaded with fresh veggies and dressed with an olive oil-lime juice vinaigrette, this easy, summery dish makes a perfect light meal or a side dish to your favorite grilled entrée.

Provided by Target Test Kitchen

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Target Test Kitchen

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup Simply Balanced™ Quinoa
1 ½ cups water
½ teaspoon salt
1 (13.4 ounce) package Simply Balanced™ Organic Black Beans, rinsed and drained
1 (12 ounce) package sweet cocktail tomatoes, chopped
1 cup packed, coarsely chopped spinach, stems removed
½ cup sliced black olives
1 avocado, chopped
½ cup thinly sliced mini peppers
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
¼ cup finely chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine quinoa, water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium saucepan. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer 12 to 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat; cool slightly.
  • Meanwhile, whisk dressing ingredients in small bowl. Toss quinoa and remaining salad ingredients in large bowl. Toss with dressing. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 262.6 calories, Carbohydrate 26.9 g, Fat 13.2 g, Fiber 8.1 g, Protein 8.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 419.9 mg, Sugar 1.6 g

SUMMER QUINOA SALAD



Summer Quinoa Salad image

My son has celiac disease & one of his favorite summer foods is pasta salad. So, I've tweaked one of my favorite pasta salad recipes, so he can enjoy it too. The beauty of this recipe is its infinite possibilities. I never make it the same way twice. In this recipe, I've listed all of the add-ins I've used (never all at once), but feel free to make it your own. Many non-GF friends have asked for the recipe, so here it is...

Provided by gemini jodi

Categories     Grains

Time 45m

Yield 8 cups, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
4 fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
salt & pepper
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup radish, diced
1/2 cup roasted red pepper, chopped
1/2 cup kalamata olive, halved
1/2 cup artichoke heart, sliced
1 cup cannellini beans
1/2 cup ricotta salata

Steps:

  • Heat water (salted, if you want) in large saucepan to boiling & add quinoa. Cook 15 minutes or until cooked (follow directions on quinoa package, cooking times vary by type of quinoa). Once cooked, fluff & put in large mixing bowl to cool.
  • Combine lemon juice, olive oil, salt & pepper, herbs & garlic in blender or whisk well in small mixing bowl. Pour this mixture (viniagrette) over quinoa to "marinate.".
  • If veggies and add-ins aren't prepped yet, chop them while quinoa "marinates." Stir remaining ingredients into quinoa, serve. Can be served warm (fresh), at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.8, Fat 15.2, SaturatedFat 2.1, Sodium 263.9, Carbohydrate 32.9, Fiber 6.5, Sugar 2.3, Protein 8.2

QUINOA SPRING & SUMMER SALAD (GLUTEN FREE)



Quinoa Spring & Summer Salad (Gluten Free) image

Found this in Alive's July 2010 magazine. They called it a spring salad, but it screams summer to me when I can (hopefully) pick fresh cukes, peas, peppers and onions from the garden or local farmers market. I'm always looking for ways to use quinoa, have tried this using red quinoa for something different. It worked well except that I find the red quinoa is easy to overcook, so keep an eye on it. Pair this with Recipe #431876, or another simple dressing. This calls for 3 cups of cooked quinoa, which is easily done, I use Jubes' Recipe #235534. Be sure to rinse your quinoa really well to remove its bitter outer layer. It makes a pretty big bowl full which I think would serve 8 easily as a side dish. I found that the dressing more or less disappears if you leave it too long so I suggest not tossing it until you're ready to eat. And if you're only using half the batch, just toss half. The quinoa part keeps well but after a day in the fridge I could barely detect the dressing.

Provided by magpie diner

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup peas (fresh, or frozen plus 2 cups boiling water)
3 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced (spring onions)
1/2 cup cucumber, seeded and diced
1/4 cup green pistachios, shelled
1/4 cup hempseed nuts, shelled
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or sub cilantro or basil or..?)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Steps:

  • If using frozen peas: In a bowl soak the peas in the boiling water, set aside until they have warmed through. Drain and pat dry.
  • In a large salad bowl combine the peas with the remaining ingredients, plus 1/4-1/2 cup of dressing, (your fave or try Recipe #431876). Toss well.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 195.9, Fat 7.2, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 144.9, Carbohydrate 26.9, Fiber 5.1, Sugar 2.8, Protein 7.2

Tips:

  • Use fresh, seasonal ingredients. This will give your salad the best flavor and texture.
  • Cook the quinoa according to the package directions. Be sure to rinse it well before cooking to remove any bitterness.
  • Let the quinoa cool completely before adding it to the salad. This will help prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
  • Chop the vegetables into uniform pieces. This will help them cook evenly and make the salad more visually appealing.
  • Don't overdress the salad. A little bit of dressing goes a long way, and you don't want to overpower the flavors of the vegetables.
  • Serve the salad immediately. Quinoa salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion:

Summer quinoa salad is a delicious, healthy, and refreshing dish that is perfect for a hot day. It is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it is also a good source of antioxidants. This salad is also very versatile, and you can easily customize it to your own liking. So next time you are looking for a light and healthy meal, give this summer quinoa salad a try.

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