Strawberry Quinoa Balsamic Salad
Sweet and salty, this strawberry quinoa balsamic salad is packed with crunchy cucumber, sweet berries, mozzarella and balsamic for finishing! It’s excellent as a main topped with a protein of choice or as a side. Gluten free and vegetarian.
Note: This recipe is NOT dairy free. It was published before Cook Nourish Bliss transitioned to dairy free recipes and remains popular with long time readers. You can try using substitutions to make it dairy free, however I have not tested this myself and can’t say how it will turn out.
Let’s start the week off with a super pretty salad.
A super pretty salad that I love so much and have made maybe a wee bit too often lately.
To the point where my husband groans when he sees it on the kitchen counter and says something along the lines of “again, really???”
Yes really.
So, let’s clear something up.
Do you have to use tri-colored quinoa in this salad? Absolutely not.
But I’m insane and firmly believe that it tastes better than regular quinoa. I’ve always claimed that I’m not really the biggest fan of quinoa – I’ll eat it if I have to but I wouldn’t buy it on my own.
But this tri-color business? For some reason I love it. Maybe because it’s pretty? Does this make sense? Probably not. But it’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.
I also noted in the recipe down below that the balsamic glaze is optional for drizzling, but just trust me and do it. It takes this salad to a different level of awesomeness.
Additional Quinoa Salad Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Blueberry Quinoa Salad
- Cranberry Quinoa Salad
- Summer Veggie Quinoa Salad
- Kale and Quinoa Rainbow Salad
- Crunchy Broccoli Quinoa Salad
- Cucumber Quinoa Salad
Did you make this recipe? Rate and review it down below! I’d love to hear from you.
Strawberry Quinoa Balsamic Salad
Sweet and salty, this strawberry quinoa balsamic salad is packed with crunchy cucumber, sweet berries, mozzarella and balsamic for finishing! It’s excellent as a main topped with a protein of choice or as a side. Gluten free and vegetarian.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- salt and pepper, to taste
- balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Add the quinoa and vegetable broth to a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, give it a stir, cover, then reduce the heat to medium-low / low and let simmer for about 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and let the pan sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the quinoa with a fork. Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and let cool.
- Lightly pat the mozzarella balls dry with a paper towel, slice in half, then add to the bowl with the quinoa. Add in the cucumber, strawberries and basil. Toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and honey. Pour into the bowl with the quinoa and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or you can let the salad chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together even more.
- Drizzle with some of the balsamic glaze right before serving.
Notes
If enjoying this as a main dish, I like to top with a cooked protein of choice.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 229Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 170mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 9g
Nutrition data shown is an estimate provided by an online calculator and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for a medical professional’s advice.
I just made a variation of this for dinner and OMG it is ridiculously amazing. I didn’t have cucumbers, I put chicken sausage (Sweet Apple flavor from Trader Joe’s, I wouldn’t do a not-sweet kind) in it, and served it warm. I’m eating it right now and I’m already planning how soon I can make it again.
I was afraid that the cheese would melt everywhere in the warm quinoa, but the quinoa kind of gloms onto it, so it has stayed in its little globs, they are just softer than when cool. A+ dish! I’m sure it’s good as a salad too, I just prefer my dinners warm. Thanks so much for posting!
So happy to hear this Leona! Thank you so much for letting me know. That sounds fantastic with the chicken sausage … I may just have to try that soon! haha oh I totally understand – I sometimes serve salads, etc. warm!
I’ve never used tri colored quinoa. Does it taste the same as the regular stuff?
This salad is so pretty and perfect for lunches or even as a BBQ side dish.
I’m completely convinced it tastes different (better in my opinion!) haha But whether or not that is completely in my head is a different story : )
Wow tricolor! That sounds exciting! Need to get me some as this looks fabulous. I’m not the biggest fan either, but I do like to try it in different ways.
Yes another salad lover obsession!!! Since we are both on the same lines here…I am making this and not telling the fiancé. All mine!
I am on the fence about quinoa, but there are a few quinoa salads that I love and this one looks incredible! I love the strawberries and mozzarella in it. I am crazy about balsamic glaze too, so I definitely want to try this asap!
I could eat this for every meal!! Yum!
I didn’t even realize that you could get tri-colored quinoa. I guess I’m not up to date on my quinoa varieties, haha! But nonetheless, this salad sounds fantastic. I can imagine that the mix of soft and crunchy textures must be incredible. And I love all the spring-y ingredients going on here. I can never get too many strawberries this time of year!
This salad is so so pretty – I love how light, fresh and yummy everything sounds together especially with the balsamic drizzle. Haha I would totally make this again and again too even with all the eye-rolling 😉
I would gladly eat this salad every day! Besides the tri-color quinoa, strawberries, and fresh mozz (<3) I'm LOVING the balsamic glaze. Perfect for the warmer months ahead! Pinning. 🙂
Those colors and the flavors are making me crazyyyy!!!!! I love the sweetness of the balsamic with strawberries and combining them with quinoa makes it the perfect meal!!!!! Pinning! 😀 🙂
Such a pretty salad!! I love it, Ashley!
We all need super pretty salads. Especially on Mondays. Thank you for sharing!
I’ve never even tried tri-coloured quinoa but now I must find it! Strawberries and a balsamic are a beautiful combo. This will be perfect when the local strawberries are out where I live. All salad, all the time! Woo! I’m with you!
I am making this, like really. I just need to find tri color quinoa.. where do you get it?!
I’ve been buying it at Trader Joe’s! But I also saw it in the bulk bins and in a regular bag at Whole Foods!
I was already planning on going to TJ’s this week.. perfect!! thanks 🙂
Ooh, this looks so light and fresh! I love the idea of strawberries, mozzarella and cucumber! And I am totally addicted to that balsamic drizzle- it just takes everything to a whole new level. Pinned 😉
Such a pretty salad indeed, Ashley! I love the flavor combo of strawberry and balsamic. <3 This looks like a new lunch recipe for me for sure!
I love any kind of quinoa, and tri-color or not this salad is perfection. I make quinoa salads for lunch often and try to mix them up, so I definitely need to try this version soon. I love adding strawberries to quinoa, it’s the best!
Ahh yes, the familiar groan from the husband when a salad is presented to them for dinner instead of a big steak. I will gladly come eat your husband’s portion if he doesn’t want it again! I’m loving this combination and I totally agree the tri-colored quinoa is awesome!
I completely agree. Tri-color quinoa tastes way better than the regular kind and it makes for a very pretty salad! I love all of the flavors you combined in it too. It looks so light and refreshing!
I’m glad it’s not just me!
What a perfect way to start the week! I’m definitely into salads now the weather is perking up. Tri colour quinoa and balsamic glaze…sounds fab!! 🙂
I like tri-color quinoa better, too. I don’t know if it tastes better either, but it sure does look better. We do eat with our eyes. 🙂 I just bought balsamic glaze at Trader Joe’s, so you know I’ll be drizzling way too much over the top of this. haha This looks delicious!
This IS a pretty salad!! I have never tried tri-colored quinoa, I’m going to have to jump on that!! 🙂
I would love to start the week off with a pretty salad! I’ve never used tri-colored quinoa before, I’ll have to look for it next time. Strawberries and balsamic vinegar are a match made in heaven 🙂 I think my husband is sick of all the salads I’ve been making lately too!
Wow-this salad really is pretty…and sounds totally yummy…I can totally see why you’d make it over and over! And you’re too funny about telling that to your husband, I do the exact same thing, and you’re right, it does work like a charm lol. Oh, you want something different? what are you cooking for us? lol.
My husband’s solution to cooking for me is take-out! : )
I am the exact same way when I get hooked on a particular dish. Also, I totally agree with you on the tricolor. Something about it is absolutely magical!
This is funny, Ashley! My husband groans a little sometimes generally when I present him with ‘blog food’. He said ‘I do like your food, don’t misunderstand me, but sometimes I just want a ham sandwich for lunch!’
Personally, I wouldn’t groan at all if I was presented with this salad of yours every day for a week. Strawberries, basil, balsamic & mozzarella … hmmm, what a great combination!
haha blog food. I love it.
Love your creative recipes. I also sometimes find recipes I really like and get on a kick of repeatedly making it! : ) My husband got me some ridiculously delicious strawberries yesterday (one of many treats I devoured for Mother’s Day) and I’m vowing to eat more strawberries. Your combination with quinoa and the balsamic looks terrific.
Soooo pretty Ashley! Pretty sure I could eat this salad everyday and be a happy, happy girl. And don’t our husband’s know by now, that the cook gets to choose meals? They don’t know how good they have it, do they. 😉
You got that right : ) I like to remind my husband of that all the time… lol
this sounds delicious! i think red quinoa tastes better than white quinoa, but white quinoa looks better in some dishes so i totally getcha with the taste/look thing!
I’ll have to try plain red sometime … it’s the white quinoa that doesn’t really do it for me!
Wow!! This looks amazing! Not only is it beyond beautiful… it also looks delicious!! Not to mention super nourishing!! YUM! Looks lovely!! Perfect for a satisfying Spring-time meal!!
Love that strawberry touch in your salad. I should try that too! Especially with the balsamic…must be fantastic!
you cook = you pick …that’s good, Ashley! Go Girl! 🙂
ela@GrayApron
haha all in good fun : )
This looks scrumptious!
Haha!! I totally get obsessed with certain foods and make them over and over and get the same reactions from my husband. Like seriously, you made this again? haha!! This is SO pretty Ashley! And I can see why it’s been made a lot lately 🙂 Pinned!
haha oh husbands. Mine realizes he’s pretty spoiled with all the cooking I do but he can’t resist sometimes I think! : )
Seriously awesome salad – love the strawberries/cucumber/tri colored quinoa/balsamic vinegar in this sweet and salty bowl of all kinds of deliciousness!
A while back, I made a strawberry quinoa salad, but I wasn’t all that crazy about it. Your versions sounds much better!! I look forward to trying it!
oooh yum! I love salads with fruit in them, it’s like the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Will have to try this when I get fresh strawberries.