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Colorful summer meals featuring fresh fruits, veggies, and grilled dishes for warm weather.

Quinoa Salad with Summer Vegetables and Fruits

A vibrant quinoa salad loaded with fresh summer vegetables and fruits, perfect for a light meal or as a side dish for picnics and barbecues.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish, Salad
Cuisine: Healthy, Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Fresh Vegetables
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 1 red onion
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
Grains
  • 1 cup quinoa (or brown rice)
Proteins
  • 2 cups cooked chickpeas (canned or boiled)
Fruits
  • 1 avocado
  • 2 peaches (or any seasonal fruit of your choice)
Herbs & Seasoning
  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh mint
  • Olive oil
  • 1 lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve.
  2. In a pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil.
  3. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat and let it cool. Fluff it with a fork once it's cool.
Preparation of Ingredients
  1. While the quinoa is cooking, dice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
  2. Chop the spinach and herbs finely.
  3. Slice the avocado and peaches.
Mixing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced vegetables, chickpeas, and herbs.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Gently toss everything together until well coated.
Serving
  1. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, topped with sliced avocado and peaches.
  2. Garnish with additional herbs for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The quinoa salad is best enjoyed fresh.