Elevate your salad game with this delightful Caprese Quinoa Salad! Bursting with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this salad combines fluffy quinoa with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, from the nutty quinoa to the sweet tomatoes and savory mozzarella. Whether served as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, this Caprese Quinoa Salad is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness. Whip up a batch for your next gathering or enjoy it as a satisfying meal any day of the week!
Caprese Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, halved fresh mozzarella balls, and thinly sliced fresh basil leaves.
-
Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
-
Serve the Caprese Quinoa Salad immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Enjoy this refreshing and nutritious salad as a light lunch or side dish to accompany your favorite main course!
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Sodium 250mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Protein 9g18%
- Vitamin A 3 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
-
Quinoa Cooking Tip: Ensure that the quinoa is thoroughly rinsed before cooking to remove any bitter-tasting saponins. This step helps to achieve a clean, nutty flavor in the final dish.
-
Tomato and Mozzarella Size: For a visually appealing presentation and balanced flavor profile, aim to halve the cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls into similar-sized pieces. This ensures uniformity in each bite of the salad.
-
Fresh Basil Handling: To prevent the basil leaves from bruising and turning brown, stack them neatly and roll them tightly before slicing into thin ribbons. This technique helps to preserve the vibrant green color and aromatic flavor of the basil.
-
Make-Ahead Option: This salad can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving. However, it's best to add the fresh basil just before serving to maintain its freshness and vibrant appearance.
