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–+ servings
Caprese Quinoa Salad – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Caprese Quinoa Salad

This vibrant Caprese Quinoa Salad combines the classic Italian trio of juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella with the wholesome goodness of quinoa. It's a light, refreshing, and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling like you've just spent a day on the Mediterra
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 5 serving
Calories: 177
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup (120 ml) (4.1 fl oz) uncooked quinoa
  • 1½ cups / 360 ml (12.2 fl oz) mixed cherry and mini pear tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup (120 ml) (4.1 fl oz) thinly sliced basil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) fresh mozzarella balls, halved
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) minced red onion or shallot
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) (0 fl oz) sea salt
  • Pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • Pro-Tips
  • For the best texture, use fresh ciliegine (cherry-sized) mozzarella balls. If you can't find them, bocconcini (golf-ball-sized) cut into quarters is a great substitute.
  • To enhance the nutty flavor of the quinoa, toast it in a dry saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding water and cooking.
  • For a touch of sweetness and a beautiful glaze, use a quality balsamic glaze drizzled over the top just before serving instead of mixing the vinegar into the dressing.
  • Make it ahead! You can prepare the quinoa and the dressing separately up to 2 days in advance. Combine with the fresh just before you're ready to serve to prevent the basil from wilting.

Method
 

  1. Cook the quinoa according to package directions.
  2. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
  3. While the quinoa cooks, prepare the dressing.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced red onion, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and pepper.
  5. To the bowl with the quinoa, add the halved tomatoes, sliced basil, and halved mozzarella balls.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine everything.
  7. Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 10gFat: 8g

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