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Quinoa Caprese Salad

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.
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Filled with hearty quinoa, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil, this Quinoa Caprese Salad combines the classic flavors into a healthier dish. It’s easy to make, packed with protein, and is bursting with flavor!

Filled with hearty quinoa, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil, this Quinoa Caprese Salad combines the classic flavors into a healthier dish. It's easy to make, packed with protein, and is bursting with flavor!

It’s already July 1st. Can you believe it? We’re just three short days away from the 4th of July, which in my mind, means that summer is about half over. And I feel like we’re just getting started!

 When I was little, I felt like the summer stretched on forever, until the 4th came. Then, I started thinking about school. But lucky for me, my school days are long gone and even though we’ve made it through almost half the summer already, we still have a lot of fun in the sun and festivities to look forward to.

First up is the 4th of July! While this is a rather low-key holiday for me, I love to get together with friends and family, eat some good food, and watch the fireworks at night. It’s the perfect end to a great summer day. And since the 4th is on a Saturday this year, it makes it even better since you have Sunday to recuperate before going back to work. Am I right or am I right?

Filled with hearty quinoa, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil, this Quinoa Caprese Salad combines the classic flavors into a healthier dish. It's easy to make, packed with protein, and is bursting with flavor!
But back to the food. That’s one of the things that I love most about the 4th of July (and the summer). Lots of barbecues, salads, and good old-fashioned get-together, outdoor classic dishes. Which brings me to fried chicken. This is one food that reminds me of picnics and warm weather. It’s an American staple that is pretty much present at all parties, graduations, and most importantly the 4th.

When I was at Walmart over the weekend, I decided to pick up some of their fresh, hot fried chicken that is located in the deli section. It seemed only natural that I should taste it before bringing it along to a party for the 4th. And I happy to report that this chicken did not disappoint. It’s made fresh, using quality chicken and then fried to perfection. It’s crispy, flavorful and everything that fried chicken should taste like. Trust me, you will not be disappointed by Walmart’s fresh, fried chicken.

Filled with hearty quinoa, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil, this Quinoa Caprese Salad combines the classic flavors into a healthier dish. It's easy to make, packed with protein, and is bursting with flavor!
So now that I had my main dish covered, I had to think of the perfect party dish to go along with it. And what screams summer more than the combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella? Caprese-anything is my absolute favorite. Ever since I made this caprese garlic bread, I’ve been on the hunt for new ways to incorporate these fresh ingredients into a side dish.

And that’s where this Quinoa Caprese Salad comes in. Filled with hearty quinoa, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and basil, this salad combines the classic flavors into a healthier dish. It’s easy to make, packed with protein, and is bursting with flavor. It also makes the perfect 4th of July dish because it can be served hot or cold. And that means if you take this on a picnic or to a friend’s house, there is no need to warm this dish up. Pretty clever, huh?

Filled with hearty quinoa, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil, this Quinoa Caprese Salad combines the classic flavors into a healthier dish. It's easy to make, packed with protein, and is bursting with flavor!
So let’s get down to business! This Quinoa Caprese Salad is incredibly easy to make, which is perfect for the summer months. You simply cook the quinoa in some chicken broth (for enhanced flavor) and then set aside to cool. Chop some cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. I used mozzarella pearls for ease, but if you would rather use a block of mozzarella, simply dice it into small cubes.

Next comes the dressing. Add some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic to the quinoa. Gently toss to combine and then add in the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.  You can serve this salad immediately, refrigerate until ready to serve, or warm up if you so desire.

Filled with hearty quinoa, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil, this Quinoa Caprese Salad combines the classic flavors into a healthier dish. It's easy to make, packed with protein, and is bursting with flavor!
Filled with hearty quinoa, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil, this Quinoa Caprese Salad combines the classic flavors into a healthier dish. It's easy to make, packed with protein, and is bursting with flavor!
One bite and you’ll be hooked on this Quinoa Caprese Salad! The tangy dressing and basil bursts in your mouth. And the quinoa is the perfect side to go along with the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. You could say this salad is a match made in food heaven!

So if you’re looking for the perfect dish to bring to your 4th of July festivities, why not try this Quinoa Caprese Salad? It pairs perfectly with Walmart’s fresh, hot fried chicken and will wow your taste buds!

Filled with hearty quinoa, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil, this Quinoa Caprese Salad combines the classic flavors into a healthier dish. It's easy to make, packed with protein, and is bursting with flavor!

Looking for more salad recipes? I’ve got you covered!

Yields 4 servings

Quinoa Caprese Salad

Filled with hearty quinoa, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil, this Quinoa Caprese Salad combines the classic flavors into a healthier dish. It's easy to make, packed with protein, and is bursting with flavor!

5 minPrep Time

20 minCook Time

25 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 cups quinoa
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 12 ounces mozzarella cheese pearls
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Dash of salt
  • Dash of garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa according to package directions, using chicken broth for more flavor.
  2. Once quinoa is done, transfer to a large serving bowl.
  3. Add in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Lightly toss to coat.
  4. Top with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. Stir to combine.
  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
  6. Enjoy!

Notes

This salad can be served hot or cold.

7.8.1.2
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https://www.pumpkinnspice.com/quinoa-caprese-salad/

Like what you see? Then head on over to your nearest Walmart deli to pick up some of their fresh, fried chicken. For more meal ideas, click here to see what you can whip up!

 Filled with hearty quinoa, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil, this Quinoa Caprese Salad combines the classic flavors into a healthier dish. It's easy to make, packed with protein, and is bursting with flavor!

Reader Interactions

  1. This is a great July 4th side! And it's even holiday color-themed, kind of! I'm a big fan of caprese, and adding quinoa just adds more fun!
    Reply

  2. Caprese salad is one of my favorites, but I'm usually still hungry after it! Adding the quinoa is the perfect solution to keep me full! Sounds so fresh :)
    Reply

  3. I am so loving this quinoa salad, Gayle! I've never thought to make a caprese version, but that's such a great idea and sounds amazing! It may be breakfast time, but I'd soooo love a bowl of this right now ;)
    Reply

  14. I can't believe it's July already too! This caprese salad is just gorgeous, Gayle! I love caprese anything and adding the quinoa is such a fantastic idea! This would make the perfect side dish for all those summer cookouts too!
    Reply

  21. What a delicious salad! Just yesterday, I noticed the first 2 grape tomatoes on our tomato plants. Shouldn't be long until I have a ton! Then I will be looking for all sorts of ways to use them up. This salad will be perfect : )
    Reply

  22. *Not sure if my first comment posted- my internet dropped out* So I'm going to try this again! I.Know- can't believe how fast summer is going by either! But what better way to enjoy what remains than with this delish salad? I love caprese anything and adore that you combined it with quinoa! Perfect for a more substantial meal! Cheers and warm wishes for a fabulous 4th! :)
    Reply

    • Thanks for the kind words, Cheyanne! Hopefully the summer will slow down just a little for us! :)
      Reply

  27. I love quinoa and eat so much of it! Love the Italian twist to this recipe, definitely need to try it :D looks delicious! x
    Reply

  29. Quinoa salads are one of my favourite things to make during summer! This sounds so delicious Gayle. The mozzarella and tomato combo sounds absolutely perfect, and I love the flavours from the basil, garlic and chicken broth - yum!
    Reply

    • Thanks so much for the caprese love, Harriet Emily! Quinoa is definitely one of the best salad ingredients, especially with fresh summer flavors! :)
      Reply

  35. Okay, if this isn't the BEST way to eat quinoa I don't even know what is. I'm seriously swooning over this gorgeous salad, Gayle! Loading up a ton of caprese goodness is such an awesome idea! I need this in my life for the holiday weekend!
    Reply

    • Thanks, Mariah! I love using quinoa in salads because it makes it healthier and delicious! Have a wonderful 4th, friend!
      Reply

  42. I am obsessed with caprese salads in the summer. It seems every other day I am going to the farmstand to buy more tomatoes so I can eat more of it! I love this mixup on it and how you made a light salad much more filling!
    Reply

  44. Summer is the perfect time for caprese dishes. I'm really curious to try this quinoa. :) It looks so filing and scrumptious. The summer feels like it's speeding by for me. I need it to slow down a little bit.
    Reply

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