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Garden Fresh Quinoa Salad

Delicious Garden Fresh Quinoa Salad for Sunny Days

Experience vibrant flavors with this Garden Fresh Quinoa Salad, perfect for warm weather dining.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 1 cup Quinoa Can use tri-colored for extra visual appeal.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Avocado oil is a great substitute.
  • 2 cups Water Essential for cooking quinoa.
For the Freshness
  • 1 medium Sweet Vidalia or Yellow Onion Red onion works well for sharper taste.
  • 2 stalks Green Onions Use both green and white parts.
  • 1 cup Fresh Sweet Corn Frozen corn can be used.
  • 1 large English Cucumber Avoid regular cucumbers for less water.
  • 1 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes Halve for easier eating.
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves Can substitute with mint or parsley.
For the Sweetness
  • 2 medium Fresh Nectarines Substitute with peaches or apples.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Lime juice is a suitable alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar White wine vinegar can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar Optional for added sweetness.
For Seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 dash Freshly Ground Black Pepper Can be skipped for milder flavor.

Equipment

  • Medium Pot
  • large mixing bowl
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for about 5 minutes until soft and caramelized. Add quinoa and toast for 2 minutes. Pour in water, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until quinoa absorbs water.
  2. Chop vegetables and fruits while quinoa cooks: slice green onions, chop nectarines, cut cucumber into cubes, remove corn kernels, halve the tomatoes. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Once the quinoa is cooked, let it cool for about 5 minutes. In the bowl, mix chopped ingredients with a pinch of salt and pepper. Fold in warm quinoa carefully.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. If desired, add sugar for sweetness. Mix gently and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Rinse quinoa before cooking to eliminate bitterness. For best results, refrigerate before serving and enjoy within 5 days for freshness.

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