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Balsamic Quinoa Salad

Balsamic Quinoa Salad

Published: April 5, 2011 Last Updated: December 3, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links.  For more information, read my disclosure policy here.   

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0 from 0 votes
This Balsamic Quinoa Salad is an easy and healthy salad recipe.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
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Balsamic Quinoa Salad

This Balsamic Quinoa Salad is an easy and healthy salad recipe.

Balsamic Quinoa Salad on a white plate.
I’ve been hearing so much about quinoa lately but I have to admit I’ve never had it.  That is, until now.  Quinoa is a seed-like whole grain that cooks just like rice.

It was first eaten by Incan warriors as their fuel for battle because it gave them such good energy and power. Quinoa is not only high in protein but is also:

  • high in fiber
  • high in nutrients such as folate, thiamin, riboflavin and iron
  • a good source of essential fatty acids
  • easy to digest

Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent food for celiac patients or other people following a gluten-free diet. It’s also an excellent food for vegetarians and vegans, or for anyone looking for healthy protein source. It’s high in iron and calcium, and is a good source of manganese, magnesium and copper.

How’s that for a health lesson!?  Sounds like a super food to me!

This was an extremely flavorful salad!  The tang of the vinegar was perfectly balanced by the creamy blue cheese.  It was a very filling dish — perfect for an easy quick lunch or hearty side dish.

If you are looking for an easy way to make quinoa, check out how I make quinoa in my rice cooker!

Balsamic Quinoa Salad

Balsamic Quinoa Salad

0 from 0 votes
This Balsamic Quinoa Salad is an easy and healthy salad recipe.
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Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup – ½ best quality extra virgin olive oil depending on if you are watching calories
  • 2 T Dijon mustard
  • 6 cloves of garlic minced
  • 2 shallots minced
  • Salt pepper and cayenne pepper, to taste
  • 1 ½ cups quinoa
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
  • 4 oz blue cheese
  • 1 can black beans
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Make dressing by combining vinegar, mustard, garlic, shallots and olive oil; season to taste.
  • Prepare quinoa according to package directions; allow to cool.
  • Combine roasted red pepper and remaining ingredients with quinoa.
  • Add dressing and toss.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 489mg | Potassium: 375mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 205IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 2.5mg

The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/

PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!Follow Me: @ItsAKeeperBlog or tag #itisakeeper

 

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« Chicken Canzanese
Roast Chicken with Carmelized Shallots »

Comments

  1. KATHY GARCIA says

    December 31, 2020 at 5:12 am

    I love quinoa but hate blue cheese. I really want to try this recipe do you have any ideas as to replacing the blue cheese? Thank You Kathy Garcia

    Reply
  2. Kelly says

    April 10, 2012 at 5:42 pm

    Just made this. Delicious!!!! Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Kristen Kushpinsky says

    April 12, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    Hi!
    This looks like yet another GREAT recipe I’m going to try! Love quinoa, so this is right up my alley. 🙂
    Recipe questions… what flavor boullion cube did you use? Also, you add it to cooking water prior to the quinoa, yes?
    Thank you! 🙂

    Reply
    • Christina says

      April 12, 2011 at 10:57 pm

      This was really good! I’m glad you’re going to try it! I used chicken boullion and yes, I added it to the cooking water. Great flavor! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Christina says

    April 12, 2011 at 2:10 pm

    I think avocado is a FANTASTIC idea! In fact, I’m going to share your suggestion to my friend, Nikki, who was my guinnea pig for this recipe! 🙂

    Thanks, Christine!

    Reply
  5. Christine says

    April 12, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    Yum! This salad looks really good – I’ve never thought to try such a tasty looking dressing on salad. Since I can’t have cheese, I wonder if using avocado would fulfill the same purpose. What do you think?

    Reply
  6. CA Rhoades says

    April 11, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    MMmmm, that sounds awesome, I can’t wait to give it a try. I’ve been loving up quinoa for years now and I still cannot get enough of it!! So nutritious and has the best texture ever!!
    I am soooo excited I found your blog (over at the Mingle Monday hop) because (as you will see if you check out my blog) I am OBSESSED with food!! Looking forward to trying out all your “keeper” recipes 🙂

    Check me out when you have some time!
    http://candidcatholicliving.blogspot.com

    Reply
  7. Anya says

    April 8, 2011 at 11:34 am

    YUM! I have to try this 🙂
    I am a new follower from the Friday Blog Hop.
    Anya
    http://anyasgreenbaby.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  8. Becky says

    April 6, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    Yay! I’m glad you tried it. You know my kids even liked it! My Oldest wanted seconds the past two times I’ve incorporated it into our meal. Stop by to see the recipes: http://homesandbabies.blogspot.com
    Follow if you can. I’m SOOOOOO close to my goal!!

    Reply
  9. Melissa Vera says

    April 6, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    new follower from blog hop come by and visit me http://adventuresfrugalmom.blogspot.com

    Reply
  10. Sara Sach says

    April 6, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    hello, I found you on the Wed. Blog hop.
    Your recipe sounds delish!
    http://poshpoochdesignsdogclothes.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  11. Small Footprints says

    April 6, 2011 at 11:40 am

    Oh, this looks so good. I love quinoa but never thought about a salad with balsamic vinegar. Reading your recipe, though, I think it would be a perfect match-up. Do you think the dish would work without the blue cheese (to make it vegan)? Thanks so much for sharing the recipe … and including meatless meals on your site! 🙂 Here’s another quinoa salad that you might like:
    http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/2009/04/vegan-recipe-black-bean-and-quinoa.html
    Thanks, again!

    Reply
    • Christina says

      April 7, 2011 at 7:29 am

      You can absolutely leave out the blue cheese! In fact, I didn’t add it right to the recipe since I like and my husband doesn’t. I kept the cheese on the side and added only to my portions. The creaminess does balance the dish, but it tastes pretty darn good without it too! 🙂 Enjoy!

      Reply
  12. Random Deals says

    April 6, 2011 at 9:57 am

    Hi there! Following you from the blog hop. Would love it if you could come visit us at Random Deals. Thanks!

    PS. The pictures for your posts don’t seem to be showing correctly. Only on the homepage.

    Reply
    • Christina says

      April 6, 2011 at 11:30 am

      Thanks for the heads up! I just checked in Internet Explorer (I use Mozilla Firefox as my browser) and there appears to be an issue. A message came up in IE and asked me to update my capatability. Once I clicked on that button, everything appears fine.

      I also linked up on your blog! Thanks for hosting! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Ann says

    April 5, 2011 at 10:44 pm

    I’m just starting to get into quinoa. I like it, but i have to get some recipes for it. This looks like a good one!

    Reply
  14. Angela says

    April 5, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    looks yummy! I am stopping by from the FMBT Blog Hop! I am your newest follower and I cannot wait to read more! Hope to have you stop by and follow me 🙂

    Reply
  15. Carolyn says

    April 5, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    Oh my goodness…what a blog you have! I’ve been exploring for a good 10 minutes, and haven’t touched a quarter of it yet. =P You got a new follower–I defiantly wanna come and explore more when I have more time! Please check out my blog if you get a chance.”see” ya soon!

    Reply

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