Summertime Quinoa Salad Recipe

Summer is right around the corner. We’re getting closer to warmer weather, longer days, and backyard barbeques.

This summer quinoa salad is the perfect summertime addition. Grab your favorite UPF 50+ sun wrap, a bottle of rosé, and this summer quinoa salad for your next warm weather get together.

Health Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa is an ancient grain packed full of health benefits. It is naturally gluten-free, protein rich, and incredibly easy to prepare. If your diet contains a lot of rice, quinoa is a wonderful alternative that also adds fiber, antioxidants, and protein to your diet.

According to Healthline, one cup of cooked quinoa contains the following:

• Calories: 222

• Protein: 8 grams

• Fat: 3.55 grams

• Carbohydrates: 39 grams

• Fiber: 5 grams

• Folate: 19% of the daily value (DV)

• Vitamin B6: 13% of the DV

• Vitamin E: 8% of the DV

• Copper: 39% of the DV

• Iron: 15% of the DV

• Zinc: 18% of the DV

• Manganese: 51% of the DV

• Magnesium: 28% of the DV

• Potassium: 7% of the DV

• Phosphorus: 22% of the DV

While quinoa is super healthy for you, it is also delicious when prepared properly. This summertime quinoa salad recipe is packed with juicy fruits and is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.

In addition to the health benefits of quinoa, this recipe also includes delicious and healthy garlic, strawberries, cucumber, oranges and avocado.

How to Cook Quinoa

Quinoa is pretty simple to prepare. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 3/4 cups of water for each cup of quinoa. If you add too much water, the quinoa may get mushy.

Once you’ve measured out your ingredients, follow these easy steps:

1. Combine the water and quinoa in a pot. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover, and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.

2. Remove from heat. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.

3. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.

For this recipe, you’ll also want to cool the quinoa in the refrigerator before mixing in the fruit.

Summer Quinoa Salad Recipe

Feeds 2-4 people.

For the Salad:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa

• 3/4 cup strawberries

• 3/4 cup cucumber

• 1/2 cup Cara Cara orange

• 1/2 cup Avocado

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dressing. Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Set aside.

2. Dice the strawberries, cucumber, oranges, and avocado into small pieces. Place into a bowl.

3. Mixed the cooked quinoa (once cooled) into the strawberries, cucumber, oranges, avocado. Stir in the dressing.

4. If any extra juice from the oranges remains, squeeze onto the top.

5. Serve and enjoy!

   Ready for more summertime recipes? Here are 5 Summer-Approved Recipes.