Hi Everyone,
Hmm, it seems this week I am into quick dishes, hope you don’t mind, but I have another one for you today.
This is my Cucumber and Tomato Quinoa Salad. I really enjoyed this salad. It’ so light, full of flavor and has two veggies that I think go hand in hand together, cucumber and tomato. I just love it! I made this for my Husband and I, but my Husband refused to eat, which is fine by me, more for me to eat! See Quinoa scares him. I didn’t know a grain can scare someone, but I guess it can. He says it looks like fish eggs and he can’t eat that. I asked him to try it but he refused. When I made my Spanish Quinoa a couple of months ago, he took the tiniest, tiniest bite ever and he said ick! I thought he was crazy, and I still do!!
Just about every Sunday I like to make a big batch of quinoa to use throughout the week. This may sound odd, but I like to sub it for my oatmeal in my breakfast parfait jar. It’s really good in it, you should try it! I decided since I already had it made, that adding some cucumbers and tomatoes to it with a little balsamic dressing would make for a tasty side dish. Boy was I right! The quinoa really absorbed the flavors of the dressing. Whats even better is that it tasted even fantastic the next day! I had it for lunch and I was so surprised how it never got soggy! The quinoa held up well. If you make this, you must make enough leftovers for the next day, I’m telling you that I think I liked it better on day two!
- 1 cup cucumber, diced small
- 1 cup tomato, diced small
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 tbsp.parsley, fresh, sliced small
- 1 tbsp. basil, fresh, sliced small
- 1 tbsp. balsamic dressing (your favorite kind)
- salt & pepper to taste
- In a bowl add cucumber and tomato and gently stir in quinoa.
- Add basil and parsley and stir in balsamic dressing. Add salt & pepper to taste.
For the Quinoa, I used Trader Joe’s Tri-color Quinoa. I thought the colors in it were pretty and it seemed a smidge more healthier then the plain. So glad I discovered quinoa this year because I really love it. It’s so healthy and there is so much you can make with it. I can’t wait to see what other things I can make with it. Do you have a quinoa recipe you want to share? If so post your link in the comment section below.
I’ll see you tomorrow, have a great day!
Toodles,
Jen
What a great salad! It sounds uber refreshing and I love that it’s protein-filled from the quinoa!
I am really loving quinoa these days!! I just wish my Husband did!
I love how healthy this is!
Thanks! Me too! 🙂
You said you’ve had it as a side dish? I wonder what it would be like if you added some sort of protein like shrimp, chicken or tuna…
Ohhh, adding chicken or shrimp in it would taste amazing, Great idea!!!
sooo perfect for summer!!
What’s the uncooked amount of quinoa, 1/2c?
Hi Ted! Yes 1/2 cup uncooked makes about 1 cup cooked.
I’ve tried several new things so far this year, but I have to agree with your husband on this one. I just can’t bring myself to try it either.
I’ve tried several grains this year and I didn’t find to many I liked, but I do like quinoa. It’s kind of a chewy type rice to me. It absorbs flavors pretty good.
What a perfect Summer Salad. Cucumbers are so refreshing and are a nice contrast to quinoa. Thanks for another great recipe friend!
Thank you Laura! Have a wonderful weekend!!
Great take on a traditional Tabbouleh salad! Check out my video on cooking quinoa here http://serenapalumbo.com/blog/?p=1070
Ciao 🙂
Thank you!
This salad looks so light and refreshing! I’m definitely a fan of quinoa, and I happen to have tomatoes and cukes growing in my garden – so it’s perfect!
It’s such a nice light salad. If you make it, save some for the next day, the flavor is even better!
This looks amazing Jennifer! I love quinoa salads!!
Thanks Amee!! I am so loving quinoa right now!!
I just made this for lunch. I used Champagne Vinegar in place of Balsamic Vinegar. This recipe is yummy and light! 🙂
Ohhh, the champagne vinegar sounds amazing with this dish. So glad you liked it!