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Caprese Quinoa Salad

Caprese Quinoa Salad: A Healthy Twist You'll Love

This Caprese Quinoa Salad is a protein-packed vegetarian delight, perfect for any meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Best Recipe Ideas
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 1 cup Quinoa Use tri-color quinoa for visual appeal; rinse well to remove bitterness.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Substitute with grape tomatoes if needed.
  • 1 cup Fresh Mozzarella Feta cheese can be used for a different flavor profile.
  • ½ cup Fresh Basil Chop finely for maximum flavor impact.
For the Dressing
  • ¼ cup Balsamic Glaze Balsamic vinegar can serve as a substitute if not available.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup Diced Avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
  • 1 cup Crunchy Cucumbers for added texture and freshness.
  • 1 cup Chickpeas mix in canned chickpeas for additional protein and heartiness.
  • 1 tablespoon Zesty Citrus add lemon or lime juice for a bright flavor twist.

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Caprese Quinoa Salad
  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa well under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove its natural bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let sit off the heat for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa and fluff gently with a fork. Fold in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced fresh mozzarella, and ½ cup of finely chopped basil. Toss carefully to evenly distribute ingredients.
  3. Drizzle ¼ cup of balsamic glaze and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the salad. Gently mix everything together, ensuring each ingredient is coated in the dressing.
  4. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Serve chilled for the best flavor. Consider adding diced cucumbers or sunflower seeds for additional crunch.

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