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    Home » Balsamic Caprese Quinoa Salad

    Balsamic Caprese Quinoa Salad

    Published: Jul 8, 2018 · Modified: Oct 9, 2022 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This balsamic caprese quinoa salad recipe is a delicious summer side or light meal! Loaded with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese, it's a healthy & refreshing dish that's gluten-free and only takes 20 minutes to prepare.

    Front view of two bowls of Balsamic Caprese Quinoa Salad

    We eat a ton of salads in the summer. Salad is so fresh, light and easy to make that it's the first thing that comes to mind when I think of refueling our family after a long day of fun in the sun.

    However, after swimming all day long, we need a salad that is healthy but still hearty, like this Balsamic Caprese Quinoa Salad!

    It's loaded with two of my favorite summer produce items, fresh tomatoes and fresh basil! Add some fresh mozzarella and toss it all in the best balsamic dressing, and this is sure to become your favorite quinoa salad recipe!

    Up-close, overhead view of Balsamic Caprese Quinoa Salad

    Caprese Quinoa Salad: Ingredients & Substitutions 

    • Quinoa. I adore quinoa, it's one of my favorite grains out there! However, if you don't love it, orzo and pasta are great substitutes! You just may need to make a touch more dressing to ensure that everything is evenly coated and flavorful!
    • Pearl Mozzarella. This is another food I love! It's so convenient. Just drain and dump into your favorite salad or pasta dish! If you can't find pearl mozzarella, regular fresh mozzarella chopped into small pieces works well too!
    • Cherry Tomatoes. Most tomato varieties that are sweet and firm will work well in this recipe...especially if they are fresh from the garden!
    • Maple Syrup. Honey is a great substitute for pure maple syrup if you don't keep it on hand!
    • Olive oil. Avocado oil also works well in this recipe. Flavor infused olive oils are a great way to add another layer of flavor to this caprese quinoa salad as well!
    • Mustard. Literally any type or variety of mustard works very well in this recipe. It mostly acts as a stabilizer for the dressing, but it does add a nice tangy flavor as well. I have used dijon, yellow mustard and honey mustard, all with great results!
    • Garlic powder. Fresh, minced garlic can be used in place of garlic powder!
    Front view of a glass serving dish filled with Balsamic Caprese Quinoa Salad

    How to Cook Quinoa Perfectly

    Ok, I feel the need to discuss how to actually cook quinoa before I proceed any further with this caprese quinoa salad recipe. Quinoa is really easy and quick to make, however it is also very easy to mess up! There is a fine line between perfectly fluffy quinoa and a chewy yet mushy mess that is totally inedible! 🙂 So here are a few tips on how to cook quinoa perfectly every time!

    1. Use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water. I have seen different packages of quinoa suggest other ratios, but I have found the best results when using 1 part quinoa, 2 parts water!
    2. Boil the water first. Always bring the water to a boil and then add quinoa!
    3. Add quinoa & return to a boil. After the quinoa is added to the boiling water, make sure the water returns to a boil before reducing the heat (see below). This happens very quickly, so be careful to watch it so the water doesn't boil off!
    4. Reduce heat to a simmer. This is where I have gone wrong in the past. Sometimes, in an attempt to speed up the process, I cook the quinoa with the heat turned up too high. When you do this, the water boils off before the quinoa can fully cook, leaving you with a crunchy mushy mess!
    5. Cook for 15 minutes.  15 minutes is the perfect cooking time for quinoa!
    6. Fluff! After 15 minutes all the water should be absorbed and the quinoa should be soft (not crunchy or hard). Take a fork or a wooden spoon and fluff the quinoa.
    7. Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes. This is another key step in cooking quinoa that is often overlooked. Letting the quinoa cook in the residual heat from the burner (turned off) and in it's own steam really finishes the process and results in a perfectly fluffy quinoa every time!

    And that's it! Please let me know in the comments below if you have any other questions about cooking quinoa!

    How to make Caprese Quinoa Salad

    This is one of the easiest recipes you will ever make! Just cook the quinoa, chop the ingredients, shake up the dressing, mix and presto! You're done! Here are a few notes just to ensure your quinoa salad making success!

    1. Cook the quinoa & let it cool. This can be done minutes, hours or even a day before it's time to assemble the salad. Making the quinoa ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator will cut down on the prep time the day of your BBQ or party!
    2. Make the dressing. This can also be done a day in advance. I usually make the dressing while the quinoa is cooking/cooling. It literally takes 3 minutes so don't worry, it's super easy!
    3. Chop the tomatoes and basil. This is a step I don't recommend doing ahead of time. Adding the fresh tomatoes and basil to the salad and then immediately tossing it with dressing helps keep the basil fresh and green!
    4. Taste! I always prefer to under salt/season my recipes at first...because you can always add more, but you cannot take it away! I recommend tasting the salad before putting it in the fridge to chill, to ensure the flavors are to your liking!
    5. Chill. I recommend chilling this caprese quinoa salad for at least 1 hour before serving, preferably a little more. This gives times for the flavors to blend together nicely!
    6. Taste again and serve. Always taste recipes one last time before serving. Garnish with a little more freshly chopped basil and enjoy!
    A collage of six photos showing the step-by-step process of how to make this Caprese Quinoa Salad

    Store

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze.

    Overhead view of a bowl of Balsamic Caprese Quinoa Salad garnished with fresh basil

    Recipe FAQs

    Do you need to wash quinoa before cooking

    Yes! I recommend rinsing quinoa before cooking it! Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that, if not rinsed off, can cause the final cooked quinoa to taste bitter!

    Is Quinoa Healthy?

    Yes! Here are a few facts about the nutritional benefits of quinoa
    Quinoa is a complete protein. This is one of my absolute favorite qualities of quinoa! If you're like me and prefer to get most of your protein from plant-based sources, then quinoa is a great choice!
    Quinoa is gluten-free. So for those of you who have to say no to pasta salads because of the gluten, quinoa salads are a perfectly delicious alternative!
    Quinoa is lower in carbohydrates and calories than rice. If you watch your intake of carbs and calories, then quinoa is a great alternative to rice!
    Quinoa is high in fiber. I'm always trying to find ways to get more fiber into our diet. Quinoa is a great way to do that!
    It's high in other nutrients. Including but not limited to: iron, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, calcium, and potassium!

    How long can you keep quinoa salad in the fridge?

    This Caprese Quinoa Salad can last for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator (if you don't eat it all much faster)!

    front view of a bowl of Balsamic Caprese Quinoa Salad garnished with fresh basil

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Balsamic Caprese Quinoa Salad

    Laura
    This balsamic caprese quinoa salad recipe is a delicious summer side or light meal! Loaded with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese, it's a healthy & refreshing dish that's gluten-free and only takes 20 minutes to prepare.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Chilling time 1 hr
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Servings 12 Servings (0.5 cups each)
    Calories 107 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • spatula
    • glass batter bowl

    Ingredients
     
     

    Caprese Quinoa Salad

    • ¾ cup quinoa uncooked
    • 1 ½ cups water
    • ¼ tsp sea salt
    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes cut in half
    • 8 oz pearl mozzarella
    • ½ cup fresh basil chiffonade

    Balsamic Dressing:

    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 1 TBS maple syrup
    • ½ TBS mustard
    • pinch of sea salt
    • ⅛ tsp garlic powder
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    Cook the Quinoa

    • Bring 1 ½ cups of water and ¼ tsp salt to a boil.
    • Add quinoa and return to a boil.
    • Once water is boiling turn the heat down to a simmer.
    • Simmer on low for 15 minutes.
    • After 15 minutes turn off the heat, stir the quinoa, and return the lid to the pot.
    • Let the quinoa sit covered for 15 more minutes.
    • After 15 minutes, transfer cooked quinoa to a large bowl to cool.

    Make the Balsamic Dressing:

    • Add dressing ingredients in a glass jar.
    • Shake to combine, set aside.

    Putting it together

    • Add tomatoes, mozzarella and basil to the cooled quinoa in a large bowl with a lid.
    • Add dressing and stir to combine.
    • Refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
    • Taste and adjust salt to your liking.
    • Garnish with fresh basil.
    • Serve cold.

    Video

    Notes

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • Quinoa. Orzo, rice and pasta are great substitutes! You just may need to make a touch more dressing to ensure that everything is evenly coated and flavorful!
    • Pearl Mozzarella.  If you can't find pearl mozzarella, regular fresh mozzarella chopped into small pieces works well too!
    • Cherry Tomatoes. Most tomato varieties that are sweet and firm will work well in this recipe...especially if they are fresh from the garden!
    • Maple Syrup. Honey is a great substitute for pure maple syrup.
    • Olive oil. Avocado oil also works well in this recipe. Flavor infused olive oils are a great way to add another layer of flavor to this caprese quinoa salad as well!
    • Mustard. Any variety of mustard works very well in this recipe. It mostly acts as a stabilizer for the dressing, but it does add a nice tangy flavor as well. I have used dijon, yellow mustard and honey mustard, all with great results!
    • Garlic powder. Fresh, minced garlic can be used in place of garlic powder!

    Store

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5CupCalories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 10.6gProtein: 2.6gFat: 6.3gSaturated Fat: 1.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.4gCholesterol: 3.3mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 71.4mgFiber: 1.1gSugar: 2.4gVitamin A: 335IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 0.7mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More delicious quinoa recipes: 

    • This easy quinoa salad is tossed in a homemade lemon dressing and it's so light and fresh and delicious!
    • This Asian quinoa salad is perfect to bring to a BBQ or potluck, it's delicious and feeds a crowd. 
    • I make this roasted vegetable honey mustard quinoa salad on repeat!
    • This baked quinoa casserole is healthy comfort food at its finest! 

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    Did you make this recipe?

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Felicia

      June 18, 2022 at 9:44 pm

      Could you use a balsamic glaze for this salad instead of the dressing? I want to try this because it sounds perfect for a refreshing meal on a hot summer day.

      Reply
    2. Christina

      June 27, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this afternoon. Delicious!!

      Reply
      • Laura

        June 27, 2020 at 3:03 pm

        Thank you Christina! I'm so glad you enjoyed this salad!

        Reply
    3. Megan

      February 13, 2019 at 12:20 pm

      5 stars
      I making this tonight for dinner.

      Reply
    4. Emily Kyle

      July 11, 2018 at 6:02 am

      i am such a huge caprese fan - this looks incredible. I love the video too, can't wait to make this!

      Reply
    5. Brittany Audra @ Audra's Appetite

      July 10, 2018 at 8:40 pm

      I can't wait to make these to meal-prep for lunches!! I just picked the first of my cherry tomatoes from my garden this morning too, so perfect timing! 🙂

      Reply
    6. Meme

      July 09, 2018 at 10:45 pm

      5 stars
      I love all your tips and info, and this salad!! Beyond delicious! There's no way it'll last up to 4 days in my fridge!

      Reply
    7. Caroline Hawkes

      July 09, 2018 at 4:24 pm

      5 stars
      Saw this on Instagram this morning.... went to the store to gather the ingredients and made it for tonight's dinner. FABULOUS!!!

      Reply
    8. Jamie @ Dishing Out Health

      July 09, 2018 at 2:58 pm

      5 stars
      Your step-by-step photos are so well-executed, Laura! And this looks like the ultimate summer salad.

      Reply
      • Laura

        July 09, 2018 at 3:22 pm

        Thank you Jamie! A little secret...I export photos from my videos and edit them in lightroom.... 😉 Pausing videos and shooting photos is difficult! LOL! 😉

        Reply

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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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