Make a delicious summer quinoa salad wth tomatoes, fresh herbs and a delicious red wine vinaigrette. This light and fresh summer salad is a delicious side dish or add some chickpeas for a hearty lunch. This recipe was originally published on June 15, 2014 and updated on June 7, 2021.
Grain salads are one of my go-to dishes to make in the summer, they are perfect to prep ahead of time to bring to a potluck or to get something ready ahead of time if you’re having people over.
This salad is made with quinoa (which is great for feeding crowds because it’s also gluten free), but I also love making salads with farro and even brown rice
This quinoa salad is inspired by Mediterranean and Greek flavours; filled with fresh herbs (I use parsley and basil in here, but dill would also be delicious).
If you find yourself with leftover herbs, one of my favourite ways to use them in the summer is in a punch or refreshing sangria.
I’ve also served this with many kinds of salad dressings (a white balsamic vinaigrette is often my go-to), but in this version I’ve got a delicious red wine vinaigrette. A classic balsamic vinaigrette would also work here.
Along with the fresh herbs, this salad is vegan and has tons of textures and flavours going on. We’ve got cucumber and red bell pepper for crunch, cherry tomatoes for sweetness and red onion for a little bit of bite.
You could easily swap in whatever vegetables or ingredients you have on hand; sugar snap peas, crumbled feta cheese, chickpeas and lemon zest would all be great alternatives.
Summer Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, cooked to package directions
- ½ English cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 small clove garlic, grated
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon honey
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package directions, about 12-15 minutes. Allow quinoa to cool for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prep dressing. Whisk vinegar with garlic, Dijon mustard and honey in a small bowl. While continuously whisking, pour in olive oil in a light, steady stream. Continue whisking until olive oil is incorporated into vinegar and dressing has thickened, about 30 seconds.
- Mix quinoa with tomato, red pepper, green onions, parsley and basil. Season with salt. Drizzle with dressing, you may not want all of the dressing, start by adding a little at a time and add more as you go.
Let me know if you give this summer quinoa salad a try in the comments below.
Esther
Instand classic
Annie
I absolutely need to try this recipe!! I never quite know how to use quinoa in my meals and this is perfect!!
Annie // Annie N Belle
Lou
Thanks Annie! Let me know how it goes :)
Aysegul - Ice
I understand what you mean when you say you wish you have a team helping you out with your blog. I feel like I have so many ideas with very little time.
I find that having a blogger bff helps a lot. My bff, Chrisann and I spend 1 morning a week thinking about new projects and things we can do in the future. We also give each other feedback on the posts we have already published. It definitely helps a lot.
This salad looks yummy. Not to mention, it is so easy to make with everyday healthy ingredients.
Pinned!
Cheers..
Ice
Lou
I love this idea of a blogger bff, Ayseful! That’s amazing that you’re able to support each other and give each other feedback, really love that. Thanks for the great idea :)
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen
I agree with you writing a blog and creating content is a solitary process, but at the same time it is lots of fun.
I love Quinoa salad and tours looks so tasty and summery! ;-)
Lou
It definitely is a lot of fun, otherwise why would we do this blogging thing? Haha!
Sarah@WholeAndHeavenlyOven
Oh, planning blog stuff is SO time-consuming, but so worth it once you get it all done! I so know what you’re talking about. ;)
And I LOVE fresh, summery salads! This quinoa looks amazing, Louisa! So fresh and tasty-looking. Gorgeous photos too!
Lou
Yes planning is definitely worth it in the end! And thanks for the kind words :)
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic
My favorite salad, EVER!!!!
Lou
Agreed, Kathy! So good.
Allison
This salad looks incredible! The photo makes me want to jump in and eat it right now! It is a bit overwhelming thinking about recipes, etc. for future posts. I try to cook seasonally, so whatever’s at the market usually inspires me. I also do freelance writing and recipe development and have to come up with holiday recipes in June, so that always helps to kick me in the right direction for the upcoming seasons.
Looking forward to your new recipes! :)
Lou
Thank you, Allison! I’ve had to do some holiday recipe work in June/July also and it’s so bizarre! But planning is definitely important and I think I’m starting to finally get the hang of it.