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–+ servings
Cherry Quinoa Salad 1

Cherry Quinoa Salad

A refreshing summer salad featuring sweet cherries and protein-rich quinoa. This light yet nutritious dish balances sweet and savory flavors with a variety of textures for a perfect warm-weather meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Healthy, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 325 kcal

Equipment

  • Fine-mesh Sieve
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Salad Base

  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed thoroughly
  • 2 cups fresh sweet cherries pitted and halved
  • 1/3 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled (substitute with vegan feta for dairy-free option)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves chopped
  • 1/4 cup pistachios lightly toasted and chopped (substitute with almonds if preferred)

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey substitute with maple syrup for vegan option
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Rinse 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
  • Combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
  • Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl and fluff with a fork. Allow it to cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.
  • While the quinoa cools, pit and halve the cherries. Prepare the cucumber, red onion, mint, and pistachios according to the ingredient instructions.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Add the cherries, red onion, cucumber, feta cheese, mint, and pistachios to the cooled quinoa. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Notes

For meal prep, store the dressing separately and combine only what you'll eat immediately.
To speed up the cooling process, spread the quinoa on a baking sheet and place it in the refrigerator for 5-7 minutes.
For extra protein, add 1 cup of chickpeas or 2 cups of shredded chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 9gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 6gSugar: 14g
Keyword Cherry Quinoa Salad, Summer Salad, Quinoa Recipe, Healthy Salad, Cherry Recipe
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