Fresh Summer Quinoa Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing quinoa vegetable salad that makes use of fresh, summery ingredients, this is the one. It’s easy, healthy, ready in 30 minutes, and packed with texture and flavors galore. There’s lightly caramelized sweet yellow onions and fresh green onions to boost the savory flavor, while nectarines and fresh sweet corn add a sweeter touch. I love salty-and-sweet desserts so why not do the same with my salads? There’s English cucumber for crunch, basil for a burst of summery freshness, and cherry tomatoes for juiciness. Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice really brighten up the dish up and perfectly complement all the veggies and fruit. It’s accidentally gluten-free and vegan, too. Make it before summer disappears!
What’s in the Summer Quinoa Salad?
To make the quinoa vegetable salad, you’ll need:
Olive oil Yellow onion Quinoa Apple cider vinegar Lemon juice Green onions Fresh nectarine Fresh sweet corn Cucumber Cherry tomatoes Fresh basil Sugar (optional)
How to Make Quinoa Salad
Add the onion and oil to a large skillet or saucepan and cook until softened. Stir in the uncooked quinoa and let it toast for about 30 seconds. Stir in the water, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cover the pan and let the quinoa cook until the liquid has all been absorbed. While the quinoa cooks, add the veggies and chopped nectarines to a large bowl. Stir in the cooked quinoa and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Can This Salad Be Prepped in Advance?
Yes! The salad is great right away but it’s a perfect make-ahead recipe because the flavors develop over time and I think it tastes better a day or two after making it.
Tips for the Best Quinoa Salad
You can substitute peaches, plums, apricots or similar stone fruits for the nectarines based on what you have. I don’t bother cooking the corn and just slice it in right off the cob. If you want to add chickpeas for extra protein, bell peppers or zucchini for more veggies, or get creative with your ingredients, go for it because it’s a flexible recipe. You can serve the quinoa cucumber tomato salad either warm or cold, and since there’s no mayo it’s a great salad for lunch boxes, picnics, potlucks, and parties.
More Quinoa Salad Ideas:
Lemon, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Almond Quinoa Salad — Fast, easy, and fresh! Bright flavors and loads of texture! This clean-eating salad keeps you full and satisfied! Healthy never tasted so good! No mayo and great for outdoor events or lunch boxes! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes!
Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Quinoa Salad – Trying to keep meals healthier and lighter? Make this easy, refreshing and satisfying salad!
Spinach and Artichoke Quinoa Salad – All the flavors of classic spinach and artichoke dip are in this HEALTHY salad!! The only thing that’s missing is tons of fat and calories!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad – This EASY quinoa salad is ready in 20 minutes with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients including chickpeas, Kalamata olives, artichokes, and goat cheese to give layers of flavor and texture in every bite!
Favorite Greens Quinoa Salad — I combined some of my favorite green vegetables and herbs in this fast, easy, light, and fresh salad. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and you’ll just feel healthier after eating it.
Quinoa, Cherry, and Goat Cheese Salad – Healthy, EASY, and loaded with juicy cherries, tangy goat cheese, snap peas, mint, and more!! The PERFECT light yet satisfying salad with so many great flavors!!
Maple-Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad — Easy and packed with big fall flavors!! Maple syrup, squash, and cranberries were made for each other! Love it when healthy tastes so good!!
