This Balsamic Quinoa Salad is an easy and healthy salad recipe.
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
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
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.
- Want to scale a recipe up or down? Simply type in a new serving amount and the recipe will automatically adjust!
- When a recipe call for House Seasoning Blend, you can use this recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- I always use unsalted butter in my recipes.
- I always use a meat thermometor to test for doneness when cooking meat. This one is my favorite.
- When a recipe is made in the oven, it should be pre-heated to the temperature in the recipe, unless otherwise noted.
- The nutritional information provided in this recipe is an estimate. Learn more on how I calculate nutritional information for my recipes.
Kelly says
Just made this. Delicious!!!! Thanks!
Kristen Kushpinsky says
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! 🙂
Christina says
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! 🙂
Christina says
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!
Christine says
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?
CA Rhoades says
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
Anya says
YUM! I have to try this 🙂
I am a new follower from the Friday Blog Hop.
Anya
http://anyasgreenbaby.blogspot.com/
Becky says
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!!
Melissa Vera says
new follower from blog hop come by and visit me http://adventuresfrugalmom.blogspot.com
Sara Sach says
hello, I found you on the Wed. Blog hop.
Your recipe sounds delish!
http://poshpoochdesignsdogclothes.blogspot.com/
Small Footprints says
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!
Christina says
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!
Random Deals says
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.
Christina says
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! 🙂
Ann says
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!
Angela says
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 🙂
Carolyn says
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!