Fresh Caprese Quinoa Salad

This bright and flavorful Caprese Quinoa Salad is made with toasted quinoa, cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. With added protein and nutrients, it takes the cl،ic Caprese salad to the next level.

Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil – is there any combination more reminiscent of summertime? I don’t think so! This fresh Caprese Quinoa Salad is extremely versatile. You can have it as a salad for lunch, a side dish for dinner, or make extras and enjoy it throug،ut the week! We love to have it as a side with grilled chicken, but it’s also filling enough to have as a meal all on it’s own.

Ingredients

Olive oil: A heart healthy, mild-flavored oil that dresses the salad.
Quinoa: Somewhat nutty in taste, and fluffy in texture, it adds flavor and protein to the salad.
Chicken broth: I cook my quinoa in chicken broth instead of water to increase the flavor.
Tomatoes: I typically use g، or cherry tomatoes, as they are juicy and somewhat sweet in flavor.
Mozzarella: Milky, creamy, and just the slightest bit of tang, you can slice a large piece of buffalo mozzarella, or use mozzarella ،.
Basil: Fresh basil adds somewhat sweet, peppery flavor to the final salad.
Lemon juice: Adds bright, fresh, citrusy flavor to the dressing of the salad.

How to Make a Caprese Quinoa Salad

S، your caprese quinoa salad by cooking your quinoa according to package instructions in the chicken broth. For added flavor, toast the dry quinoa in some olive oil for a couple minutes first.

Next add your cooked quinoa to a large bowl, followed by the mozzarella cheese.

next add your halved cherry tomatoes and your freshly sliced basil.

Liz pouring olive oil into Caprese Quinoa Salad

Then drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice, and if you like an extra punch of flavor, some balsamic vinegar.

Toss everything together until evenly coated in the dressing, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy your Fresh Caprese Quinoa Salad!

Frequently asked questions:

How do you improve the flavor of quinoa?

While on its own quinoa can be a bit bland, I’ve discovered a few easy ways to ،mize the flavor. First, instead of cooking it in water I like to use chicken broth. If you don’t have chicken broth, add a pinch of salt to the water. Another easy tip? Toast the quinoa in a little olive oil for about 60 seconds to add a warm, nutty aroma to the quinoa.

Why is it called caprese?

The cl،ic caprese salad is believed to originate from the Italian island of Capri, which is where it gets its name.

Are caprese salads healthy?

Yes! Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, and mozzarella cheese is full of calcium and vitamin D. Add in the quinoa for added fiber and protein, and it’s a very balanced salad!

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Garni،ng caprese quinoa salad with basil.

This fresh Caprese Quinoa Salad is a satisfying and flavorful addition to your summer menu, and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!

Your fork is waiting.

This bright and flavorful Caprese Quinoa Salad is made with toasted quinoa, cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil. With added protein and nutrients, it takes the cl،ic Caprese salad to the next level.

PREP: 10 minutes

COOK: 15 minutes

TOTAL: 25 minutes

Servings4

2 tables،s extra ، olive oil (divided)
1 cup quinoa
2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
1 cup fresh mozzarella
10 leaves basil (cut chiffo،e)
2 tables،s lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium pan, heat half of the olive oil (one tables،) over medium-high heat, toast the quinoa for 3-4 minutes until lightly brown and fragrant.
Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes then remove from heat. Fluff quinoa with a fork and set aside.
In a medium bowl, add cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, lemon juice, remaining one tables، olive oil and salt/pepper.
Toss salad to combine and check for seasoning before serving.

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منبع: https://thelemonbowl.com/caprese-quinoa-salad/