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Caprese Quinoa Salad

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When simple fresh ingredients come together they are bound to taste delicious! This caprese quinoa salad takes the summer bounty and turns it into a fresh side dish.

bowl of quinoa salad with tomatoes basil and mozzarella pearls

This is the perfect summer salad.  It is fresh, light flavorful and uses some of the produce that is going crazy right now.  The quinoa adds great nutrition and texture to the mix and of course cheese is a staple! 

It is great for potlucks, picnics or as a side to your favorite grilled entrée. Or if you prefer, stir in some chicken for a perfect lunch or light dinner.

My herb garden is overrun with basil right now.  I think it would take over the yard if I would let it.

As it is, I need to keep it trimmed so it doesn’t lean over the sidewalk.  It is tall and bushy and ready to be used!

We were getting ready to go to another weekend BBQ.  After all of the ribs, pulled pork, corn casserole and macaroni and cheese from the previous night, I thought a lighter and brighter side dish might be in order.

That got your mouth watering, didn’t it?  But I am sure you can also see why I was in the mood from something bright and fresh on day two of these festivities.  

side view of bowl of caprese quinoa salad.

Our cherry tomato plants have been prolific as well.  Little Dude and the neighbor kid like to just eat them as a snack while they are playing which of course I love!  

Even so, I had plenty to use for this salad along with that fresh basil.   Just a few other simple ingredients and a healthy and tasty side was born!

I’ve made this many times now and have used both halved cherry tomatoes and chopped tomatoes.  I’ve also used fresh mozzarella and block mozzarella.  It’s all good!

It is hard to go wrong with fresh tomatoes, basil and cheese!

Tips for halving cherry tomatoes or grapes 

Place a handful of cherry tomatoes or gapes on a small saucer or Tupperware lid. Tip another plate or lid upside down over the tomatoes. 

Apply a small amount of pressure on the top plate with your noncutting hand to hold the fruit on place.  Then use a large sharp knife to cut them in half across the equator. Voila! 

close up of salad showing textures of quinoa, basil, cheese and tomatoes

More great recipes for fresh tomatoes:

Savory tomato and cheese pie is a beautiful way to serve big ripe tomatoes. It is kind of like a tomato sandwich in pie form!

Parmesan roasted zucchini and cherry tomatoes is a perfect way to use both types of prolific summer produce. It comes together quickly and tastes amazing!

Or try making Mediterranean quinoa salad with tomatoes and cucumber. It is another fresh and delicious summer salad.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a review in the recipe card below!

bowl of quinoa salad with tomatoes basil and mozzarella pearls

Caprese Quinoa Salad

Carlee
This is the perfect summer salad. It is fresh, light flavorful and uses some of the produce that is going crazy right now. The quinoa adds great nutrition and texture to the mix and of course cheese is a staple! It is great for potlucks, picnics or as a side to your favorite grilled entrée. Or if you prefer, stir in some chicken for a perfect lunch or light dinner.
4.94 from 15 ratings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salads
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • cup quinoa
  • 8 ounces mozzarella diced
  • cups tomato chopped
  • ¾ cup fresh basil chiffonade
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons good quality extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt & black pepper
  • Optional: additional chopped tomatoes and basil for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook quinoa according to package directions and cool
    1½ cup quinoa
  • Mix together the rest of the ingredients. Stir in cooled and fluffed quinoa.
    8 ounces mozzarella, 3½ cups tomato, ¾ cup fresh basil chiffonade, 2 Tablespoons good quality extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Best served right away and at room temperature, though is also good out of the refrigerator. Cover and chill any leftovers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 6gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 149mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
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Recipe Rating




Audrey

Wednesday 14th of April 2021

I have to tell you that I have fallen in love with Quinoa and this salad looks delicious!

Carlee

Wednesday 14th of April 2021

It is really good and super simple to make too!

Jolene

Wednesday 27th of December 2017

Love the idea of the quinoa with tomatoes and mozzarella! Can't wait to give it a try!

NewMrsAdventures

Monday 21st of September 2015

Looks delicious!

Carlee

Monday 21st of September 2015

It was so good (and healthy to boot!)

Karen

Sunday 20th of September 2015

Looks like a lovely, light salad. We've (well, my husband) just planted tomatoes and basil so we'll be having some of this soon.

Carlee

Monday 21st of September 2015

It is very tasty and best with fresh tomatoes and basil! Ours are just winding down and it was a good way to enjoy them before they are done. Thanks for stopping by!

Erlene

Sunday 20th of September 2015

I love quinoa and we usually add it to regular salad, but haven't tried making a caprese salad with it. Will give it a try. Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday.

Carlee

Monday 21st of September 2015

I tend to use rice and pasta more frequently, but I love to mix it up with quinoa now and again. This was a fun way to use it. I hope you love it!