Recipes Caprese Quinoa Salad

Caprese Quinoa Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Summer Dish

Caprese salad, a classic Italian appetizer, is a simple yet delicious combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. This recipe takes the flavors of Caprese salad and transforms them into a refreshing and flavorful summer salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked white or red Quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium-sized pot, combine the Quinoa, water or vegetable broth, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the Quinoa is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
4. While the Quinoa is cooking, prepare the rest of the salad ingredients. Chop the basil, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and red onion.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked Quinoa, basil, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, red onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Tips:

• For a more flavorful salad, use ripe, in-season tomatoes.
• If you don’t have fresh mozzarella cheese, you can use shredded mozzarella or bocconcini.
• Add other vegetables to the salad, such as chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives.
• For a vegetarian or vegan version of the salad, omit the mozzarella cheese.
• Serve the salad with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Variations:

• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Add chopped Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of dried thyme to the salad.
• Greek Quinoa Salad: Add chopped cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and a drizzle of lemon juice to the salad.
• Spicy Quinoa Salad: Add chopped jalapeño peppers or cayenne pepper to the salad for a kick of heat.
• Sweet and Savory Quinoa Salad: Add chopped dried apricots, raisins, or nuts to the salad for a touch of sweetness.

Nutritional Information:

Caprese Quinoa Salad is a healthy and satisfying dish that is packed with nutrients. One serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 10 grams
• Protein: 15 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Net carbohydrates: 40 grams

Conclusion:

Caprese Quinoa Salad is a delicious and refreshing summer salad that is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. It’s a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or as a light and healthy meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Caprese in this flavorful and satisfying salad.