Mediterranean Quinoa Caprese Salad
Savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Quinoa Caprese Salad. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, this dish is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side at dinner. Tossed with fresh basil, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic garlic oil, it's a healthy and satisfying meal that showcases the best of seasonal ingredients. Serve it chilled for a refreshing experience or warm for a comforting dish that will impress family and friends alike. Ideal for meal prep, this salad can be easily stored and enjoyed throughout the week!
N/A
Servings
137.5
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed)
low sodium chicken broth
1 (14 ounce) can (boiled)
cherry tomatoes
1 pint (each halved)
mozzarella cheese
3 ounces (diced)
basil leaves
1 cup (torn)
fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
garlic oil
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water to remove its natural bitter coating.
2
In a medium saucepan, bring the low sodium chicken broth to a rolling boil. Carefully add the rinsed quinoa to the boiling broth.
3
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork. Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature.
5
Once cooled, gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced mozzarella cheese, and torn basil leaves.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and garlic oil. Drizzle this mixture over the quinoa salad and toss everything together until well combined.
7
Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
8
Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
20g
Carbs
5.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Quinoa Caprese Salad?
It is a vibrant, healthy salad featuring protein-rich quinoa, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil tossed in a lemon and garlic oil dressing.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 137.5 calories per serving in this Mediterranean Quinoa Caprese Salad.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
While the recipe is tagged as vegetarian, it contains chicken broth; you can substitute this with vegetable broth to make it strictly vegetarian.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving contains 5.25g of protein.
What are the primary ingredients for the salad?
The main ingredients include quinoa, low sodium chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, lemon juice, and garlic oil.
How do I prepare the quinoa properly?
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water, then boil it in chicken broth before simmering on low for 12-15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can use water, but using chicken broth adds more depth of flavor to the quinoa.
How long should the quinoa simmer?
The quinoa should simmer for approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
Why is it important to rinse the quinoa?
Rinsing the quinoa is necessary to remove its natural bitter coating before cooking.
Should this salad be served warm or cold?
It can be served immediately while warm for a comforting dish or chilled for a refreshing experience.
How can I store leftover salad?
This salad can be easily stored in the refrigerator and is perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Mediterranean Quinoa Caprese Salad is ideal for meal prep as it stores well.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 ounces of diced mozzarella cheese.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends using one pint of cherry tomatoes, each halved.
What makes up the dressing for this salad?
The dressing is a simple whisked mixture of 2 1/2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of garlic oil.
What is the total fat content?
There are 4g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains 20g of carbohydrates.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of garlic oil for an aromatic flavor.
How much fresh basil is required?
You will need 1 cup of torn fresh basil leaves.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the mozzarella cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
Refrigerating the salad for about 30 minutes before serving can help enhance the flavors.
What should I do after the quinoa is cooked?
Remove it from the heat, fluff it with a fork, and let it cool to room temperature in a large bowl.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, this is a versatile dish that can be customized with other seasonal Mediterranean ingredients.
When is the best time to serve this salad?
It is perfect as a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish for dinner.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including salt and pepper.
How much chicken broth do I need?
The recipe requires one 14-ounce can of low sodium chicken broth.
How much lemon juice should I squeeze?
You will need 2 1/2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How should I season the salad?
Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your personal taste preference.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a healthy salad, specifically a Mediterranean quinoa dish.
Can I use different varieties of quinoa?
While the recipe lists general quinoa, you can use white, red, or tri-color quinoa depending on your preference.