I love quinoa and it’s actually considered a super food. Thought of as a grain, quinoa is a relative of leafy green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard. It’s a complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. It’s a very good source of manganese as well as magnesium, iron, lysine and phosphorus. A great option for vegans worried about adequate protein, quinoa may also be of value to people with migraines, diabetes, and atherosclerosis (the build-up of plaque that narrows the vessels through which blood flows).
I also love a Caprese Salad. It’s like Summer on a plate. It’s healthy, tasty, and beautiful. A colorful salad of vine ripened tomatoes, soft mozzarella cheese, and fresh Summer basil. What’s not to love?
When I heard Megan, from What Megan’s Making, singing the praises of this Caprese Quinoa Salad, I knew I would be making it too. How could I resist?
Of course I loved this salad. It makes a great side dish and I ate the leftovers for lunch. It also made me feel good about what I was eating. Deliciously healthy!
On a fun note,
I was recently visited by The Fairy Hobmother . (The Fairy Hobmother is actually Ian from Appliances Online.) It was a wonderful surprise and he brought me a very nice gift. A $50 Amazon gift certificate!
He found me from when I visited Brenda’s Canadian Kitchen. She had made some awesome looking Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade that I was drooling over, and I left a comment.
And you could be visited next! Just close your eyes, click your heels, and say three times…
I’m just kidding.Just having a little fun with ya all!
Anyone who leaves a comment on this post has the chance of being visited by the Fairy Hobmother as well.
Good Luck!
And thank you again Ian! I have a few books on my want list as well as a nutmeg grinder! That gift certificate will come in handy!
And now for the Caprese Quinoa Salad Recipe!
| Caprese Quinoa Salad |
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 basket of cherry tomatoes,
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- 15 large basil leaves, cut into ribbons
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2-3 tablespoonsOlive Oil
- Bring 2 cups water and quinoa in a small saucepan and bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes.
- Let cool completely, then add tomatoes, cheese, basil, salt and pepper.
- Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of oil on top and mix gently.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate to allow flavors time to blend.
I’m hooking this post up to:
{ 3 trackbacks }
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve had some quinoa I’ve been wanting to try for a while, but haven’t got around to it. This looks really good though – I think I’ll finally have to crack the bag and try it
Quinoa is a go to in our house. I make one with feta and tomatoes and olives and a little red onion its really good. I’ll have to try this one.
Just this weekend I was thinking of this (almost) exact same recipe & wondering how it would come out! It sounds like the perfect lunch.
What a gorgeous salad! I’m pinning this one. I love the mozzarella pearls.
Your Quinoa salad looks delicious. Love the gorgeous colors from the tomatoes!
I’ve had Quinoa on my list of new-to-me items to try soon but I wasn’t sure what to make with it. All of the ingredients in this salad would be a hit with my family. I think that I’ll give it a try! Thanks for sharing it.
BTW, congrats on your winnings!
I’m closing my eyes….
and clicking my heels….
I LOVE quinoa. And love caprese salad. Love the little mozz pearls. And I want some of this right now for lunch. AND since we’re talking about things I love, I love Amazon, too.
What a fun combination. The best of two salads in one.
I have all of these ingredients! I love it when that happens. I am making this for lunch tomorrow…
your dishes always look better than mine! I can’t wait to wrap my lips around this one.
This sounds amazing. I love quinoa too, and I think those mozzarella pearls are adorable! How have I never seen them before?!
All the colors in this salad make it look so appealing. This may entice me to finally try quinoa.
We have really gotten into quinoa at our house..and I LOVE caprese salad, so this is a great light meal!
Coming back from my ordeal of flying back to New York…I was in the mood for something healthy and I will be posting something similar to this dish. Lovely presentation.
I apologize if I have been slack with my comments, but upon return I have over 400 e-mails to answer and hundreds of posts to read….
Just went grocery shopping yesterday, and luckily ended up with all of the ingredients for your Caprese Quinoa Salad – can’t wait to try it, sounds yummy and healthy!
Found you from the Tidy Mom linky. I’m a fan of quinoa and caprese so this recipe drew me in. I just got back from Italy and did a post all about the food there. I think you’ll like it, and I’d love for you to link up this delish recipe on Momtrends’ Friday Food. Ciao!
http://www.momtrends.com/2011/09/lake-como-food-highlights/
I love quinoa in salad’s and caprese salad is one of my favorites. This looks delicious. Congratulations on your visit from the Fairy Hobmother!!
Why do I forget about Quinoa? I’m sure I have a bag of it, somewhere in my pantry! This says “don’t leave, yet, summer” and “I’m healthy and good lookin’ ” Nice job!
I have to admit that I have yet to try quinoa. Looks like this salad would be a great introduction to it!
Love the salad. I am a big fan of Quinoa. I am actually going to try a twist on a vegetarian Paella where I use Quinoa instead of rice.
A great healthy quinoa Megan! Gotta try this recipe
Wow, quinoa is our new found grain in our family. First time cooking it this past weekend. This salad looks wonderful with the tomatoes and cheese.
Wow! Gorgeous salad. The colors are so bright. I’ll have to try it sometime. And congrats on your fairy visit!
Oh my gosh! Our garden is overflowing with cherry tomatoes and basil–I need to make this, and soon! It’s so colorful and pretty, too.
I love quiona also and had it all last week (the quinoa mango black bean salad!) I love that it is so good and a superfood!
I love love love quinoa! I never run out of fun ways to eat it!
What a great, creative use of quinoa! This looks so fresh and delicious!
Beautiful photo! Can’t wait to try.
where do I purchase quinoa at the lowest price?
I buy mine at Winco!