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Summer Quinoa Salad

Refreshing Summer Quinoa Salad for Vibrant Meals Anytime

This Summer Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish perfect for any occasion, packed with seasonal vegetables and zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups cooked and cooled quinoa
  • 1 cup chopped Persian or English cucumber
  • 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup fresh or frozen corn defrosted
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey or substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small jar or bowl for dressing

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water for about 1 minute. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until quinoa is cooked. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
  2. Chop 1 cup of cucumber and 1 cup of cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine with 1 cup of drained chickpeas and 3/4 cup of corn. Toss gently.
  3. In a small jar or bowl, combine 1/3 cup of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
  4. Fluff cooled quinoa with a fork and add to the bowl with chopped vegetables and chickpeas. Pour the vinaigrette over the mixture and toss gently.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and is best enjoyed cold. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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