Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Summer Quinoa Salad

Summer Quinoa Salad

Discover the delightful Summer Quinoa Salad, a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for warm weather gatherings or light meals at home. This salad combines nutrient-rich quinoa with sautéed vegetables, black beans, and fresh basil, all tossed in a zesty lemon balsamic dressing. It’s quick to prepare, nutritious, and versatile enough to serve as a main course or side dish. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic or hosting a barbecue, this salad offers a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor in every bite.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 7–8 mini sweet peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
  • Handful fresh basil, chopped
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil and add rinsed quinoa. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes; let sit covered for an additional 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, sweet peppers, and broccoli until softened (about 5 minutes). Combine with cooled quinoa.
  3. Add corn and black beans to the quinoa mixture. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Whisk together lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Drizzle over salad and mix well.
  5. Fold in fresh basil before serving or chill in the fridge for an hour for enhanced flavors.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course/Salad
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating for better taste. Feel free to customize with seasonal fruits or proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas.