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
Joanne says
What a great salad! It sounds uber refreshing and I love that it’s protein-filled from the quinoa!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I am really loving quinoa these days!! I just wish my Husband did!
Savory Simple says
I love how healthy this is!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thanks! Me too! 🙂
Kaitlyn Noone says
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…
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Ohhh, adding chicken or shrimp in it would taste amazing, Great idea!!!
claire (@realnutritioncg) says
sooo perfect for summer!!
ted says
What’s the uncooked amount of quinoa, 1/2c?
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Hi Ted! Yes 1/2 cup uncooked makes about 1 cup cooked.
Samantha says
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.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
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.
Laura says
What a perfect Summer Salad. Cucumbers are so refreshing and are a nice contrast to quinoa. Thanks for another great recipe friend!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you Laura! Have a wonderful weekend!!
serenainmanhattan says
Great take on a traditional Tabbouleh salad! Check out my video on cooking quinoa here http://serenapalumbo.com/blog/?p=1070
Ciao 🙂
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you!
Peggy says
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!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
It’s such a nice light salad. If you make it, save some for the next day, the flavor is even better!
Amee Beck Livingston says
This looks amazing Jennifer! I love quinoa salads!!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thanks Amee!! I am so loving quinoa right now!!
Lorri says
I just made this for lunch. I used Champagne Vinegar in place of Balsamic Vinegar. This recipe is yummy and light! 🙂
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Ohhh, the champagne vinegar sounds amazing with this dish. So glad you liked it!