Vibrant Rainbow Harvest Quinoa Salad with Zesty Lemon-Basil Dressing

This Rainbow Harvest Quinoa Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor. Packed with vibrant vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and a zesty lemon-basil dressing, it’s the perfect side dish or light lunch that you can enjoy any time of the year.

The combination of textures—crunchy cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and creamy avocado—along with the bright and herbaceous dressing elevates this salad to a new level. It’s a wonderful way to use up fresh produce, and it also makes for a great make-ahead meal for busy weekdays.

Vibrant Rainbow Harvest Quinoa Salad with Zesty Lemon-Basil Dressing

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes 20 minutes

Nutrition facts: 280 calories 12g fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE DRESSING

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and then combine it with 2 cups of water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low, covering and simmering for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
2. Remove the quinoa from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, corn, avocado, red onion, and basil.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Add the cooled quinoa to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over the top. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Enjoy!

Notes

Tip: Feel free to add protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier salad.

For the best flavor, let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes after mixing to allow the ingredients to meld together. You can easily customize this salad by adding your favorite seasonal vegetables or nuts for extra crunch.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If packing for lunch, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain the salad’s freshness.