This bright and flavorful Caprese Quinoa Salad is made with toasted quinoa, cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. With added protein and nutrients, it takes the classic Caprese salad to the next level.
Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil – is there any combination more reminiscent of summertime? I don’t think so! We wait a long time for tomato season to finally arrive so when it does, I like to keep the flavors simple so that the ripe tomato flavor can really shine.
This fresh Caprese quinoa salad is extremely versatile. You can have it as a salad for lunch, a side dish for dinner, or make extras and enjoy it throughout the week! We love to have it as a side with grilled chicken, but it’s truly filling enough to have as a meal all on it’s own.
Frequently asked questions:
While on its own quinoa can be a bit bland, I’ve discovered a few easy ways to maximize the flavor. First, instead of cooking it in water I like to use chicken broth. If you don’t have chicken broth, add a pinch of salt to the water. Another easy tip? Toast the quinoa in a little olive oil for about 60 seconds to add a warm, nutty aroma to the quinoa.
Toasted quinoa is added to the traditional salad to boost the protein and other nutrients without sacrificing any of the classic Italian caprese flavors you crave. Quinoa also adds fiber and is ideal for a gluten-free diet.
Serve immediately, or store for up to 3 days in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
You really can’t beat fragrant basil when it comes to fresh herbs. I love to sprinkle on a little more right before serving.
This fresh Caprese Quinoa Salad is a satisfying and flavorful addition to your summer menu, and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Your fork is waiting.
Fresh Caprese Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella
- 10 leaves basil cut chiffonade
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium pan, heat half of the olive oil (one tablespoon) over medium-high heat, toast the quinoa for 3-4 minutes until lightly brown and fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes then remove from heat. Fluff quinoa with a fork and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, add cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, lemon juice, remaining one tablespoon olive oil and salt/pepper.
- Toss salad to combine and check for seasoning before serving.
Nutrition
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India
I am going to make this for a party tomorrow night. I had been thinking caprese with balsamic dressing, bc I just love those flavors. This sounds wonderful and more of a side or entrée salad with the quinoa, which will make an even better addition to this “pot luck” gathering. Do you think balsamic dressing would add in well or should I just let it be and do Hasselback caprese later in the season when the temps rise?
Liz DellaCroce
Add it in- sounds amazing! Great idea!
angelheart
How do you fix up the leftovers? I found it not as tasty when cold and when I microwaved, the mozerella melted.
Liz DellaCroce
Hmmm..I ate it cold as leftovers. The melted cheese actually sounds good to me!! Another idea would be to fry them into quinoa patties similar to my Hummus Quinoa Cakes. Let me know if you come up with something!
Nutmeg Nanny
Oh, yes! I absolutely love caprese salad, this recipe is amazing!
Liz DellaCroce
You and me both!! I’ve been craving a caprese pizza…
Janice
Mmmm… Thank you Liz for the delish make ahead recipe! Light..refreshing.. and sooo tasty (how can it be good for me?) Thank you for sharing. Love you!
Liz DellaCroce
So great to hear from you Aunt Janice! I hope you like this salad – it was a huge hit in our house!! Miss you guys – love you! xo
Alexis @ Hummusapien
I absolutely love this! The fresh basil and mozzarella balls sounds like an amazing combo. What a perfect side dish!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you Alexis!! It was so good!
tj wright
I didn’t realise low-sodium chicken stock came in vegetarian varieties
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction
Love that you combined caprese and quinoa! Perfect summer salad!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you Jessica!! It seemed so obvious!!!
Carolyn
This is just gorgeous. I have 2 out of 3 of my kids eating quinoa but the 3rd is holding out on me at the moment! :)
Liz DellaCroce
There’s always one rogue child right?? hahah Thanks Carolyn!!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
I know I’d love this, beautiful salad, Liz!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you friend!! Wish we were eating our caprese creations together!
Nikki @Seeded at the Table
Oh, wow! I can get on board with this quinoa for sure!! Refreshing and fabulous, Liz! Voting – done! Good luck!
Liz DellaCroce
It was so good and addictive!!
Cassie | Bake Your Day
I love everything about this! I have been nearly living on quinoa lately. I make a ton at the beginning of the week and then eat it all week. I love these flavors!
Liz DellaCroce
That is seriously such a smart idea. I never seem to make enough. I think I’m in denial that my toddler eats more than me sometimes – lol.
Aggie
I have to get my hands on this mozzarella. This quinoa looks amazing!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia
Oooh I love the sound of this! We have quinoa at least once a week. This will most certainly appear a lot on our table this summer.
Caroline @ chocolate & carrots
This looks splendid!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you doll face!!! Now I need to make those brownies of yours!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
Interesting take on caprese! Liz, is there some way you can force / trick me to like quinoa? Because that would be really awesome! Mozzarella is a good start. :D
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you Erin!! You know it’s funny, I’m not a HUGE quinoa fan but I find that toasting it in a little olive oil before cooking it really does add a ton of flavor.
Gwen @SimplyHealthyFamily
What a wonderful and simple recipe for summer! I love those little mozz balls ;)
Liz DellaCroce
Oh me too – I love cheese in small forms – haha.
Sarah @ The Chef Next Door
This looks so fresh and good and crazy simple! I’ll definitely be making it soon. And I voted too…good luck Liz!! :)
Liz DellaCroce
You’re so sweet – thanks sista!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
I love their stuff! I just discovered their super small mozzarella balls and I am completely smitten. And this salad, totally making!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh my gosh aren’t they awesome? I also recommend the flavored ones in oil/herbs. Addictive and delish!
Julia
I love caprese salads–we eat them a lot in the summer! Adding quinoa is a great idea! :)
Liz DellaCroce
Me too… they just scream summer!!
Sandy@ReluctantEntertainer
Looks fantastic and so fresh, Liz!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you my friend!! Perfect for tomato season!! xo
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
So much yum going on here! I actually just bought all the ingredients for caprese salad yesterday — but now I’m thinking I definitely need to add quinoa to the mix!
Liz DellaCroce
The quinoa really turns it into a meal – I hope you like it!
Cathy Pollak ~ Noble Pig
I am loving these contest entries. These sounds more delicious than the last one I saw!!! Just beautiful Liz!! Looks like you had fun In California, what a neat experience!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m drooling over all of the other recipes too!! Thanks so much Cathy!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
This looks so delicious and fresh, Liz! I love caprese anything! Good luck in the challenge!
Liz DellaCroce
Girl – your recipe is off the charts!! I LOVE pesto!!!
Rachel Cooks
I’m on board with anything caprese AND anything quinoa — I could eat this daily!
Liz DellaCroce
Same here!! I ate an embarrassingly large quantity of it… lol.
tanya
I can’t get enough of quinoa! I absolutely love this Caprese version, especially with that mozzarella!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you!! It is seriously a match made in heaven. :)
Erin | The Law Student's WIfe
Yay tomatoes! I can’t get enough of this combo. Great lunch idea Liz!
Liz DellaCroce
Yay tomatoes is right!!! Thanks friend!
The Candid RD
Sounds wonderful! I’ve been making so many great things with quinoa lately, this may just have to be next.
Liz DellaCroce
Yes you must try this!!! It’s perfect with quinoa and perfect for summer. :)