The first time I ever tried quinoa was in 2010 at a friend’s barbecue. She made a cucumber salad containing quinoa, cucumber, and cilantro but it was a little bland. Similar to our Fall Quinoa Salad, this summer vegetable quinoa salad is the absolute opposite as its bursting with flavor!
Summer Vegetable Quinoa Salad
Summer means the farmer’s market is overflowing with plenty of fresh, in-season vegetables. Home gardens are yielding cucumbers and tomatoes and plenty of fresh herbs.
For my salad, I used some smoked gouda cheese but it would be great with feta also. I put together my own dressing using some rice vinegar, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. I chose grape tomatoes but sun gold or cherry tomatoes will work as well.
RELATED: you might also like this recipe – Tuna Pasta Salad
The result is a highly colorful salad with a mild dressing that is perfect for all tastes.
Ingredients for Summer Vegetable Quinoa Salad
- Chicken broth – This adds flavor to the quinoa. You can use water if you prefer.
- Uncooked quinoa – You’ll see white, red and black quinoa in the store, as well as packages that are multicolored. Any of these will work just fine.
- Frozen corn – You could use canned corn, but it tends to be a bit more overcooked because of the processing. I recommend using frozen corn.
- Cucumber – I like to peel the cucumber in stripes, peeling off a stripe of skin and leaving one in place. Just for fun, they’re more decorative that way. You can peel it completely or leave the skin on for more nutrients.
- Grape tomatoes – You can use any variety of small tomatoes like sun gold or cherry tomatoes.
- Smoked gouda cheese – Feta would be a really nice substitution, I just happen to have a soft spot in my heart (my taste buds really) for gouda.
- Red onion – If you don’t have red onion, green onions (scallions) or shallots are a nice replacement. White or yellow onion can be a bit too strong, but sweet Vidalia would work.
- Fresh parsley – Cilantro would be a great replacement for parsley but could be a bit overpowering. Parsley has a much milder flavor which allows the flavor of the vegetables to shine through.
- Extra virgin olive oil – If you are like me, the “light tasting” olive oil is your oil of choice for dressings.
- Seasoned rice vinegar – It’s not a deal breaker if you don’t have this, but the flavor is quite nice.
- White wine vinegar – Either of these kinds of vinegar could replace the other if you only have one.
- Mayonnaise – Any variety of mayo will work, and it’s such a small amount you could leave it out if you don’t like using mayonnaise.
- Salt – Use regular table salt to your tastes.
- Freshly ground black pepper – You only need a few turns of the pepper for this dressing.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
How to make Summer Vegetable Quinoa Salad
First, you’ll want to cook the quinoa so it can cool before combining it with the other salad ingredients.
Combine chicken broth and quinoa in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover simmered for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely. Place in refrigerator while you make the rest of the salad.
In a large bowl, combine the corn, cucumber, tomatoes, gouda cheese, red onion, and fresh parsley.
Toss gently to combine.
Add quinoa and toss again.
Make the salad dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, both kinds of vinegar and mayonnaise. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk to combine.
Pour half of the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Test it for flavor, add more dressing if desired. Chill in refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.
P.S. Yes, you will likely have dressing leftover. You can store it in the fridge and use it on your next batch of this Summer Vegetable Quinoa Salad or any other salad you love!
For more summer salads perfect for potlucks or gatherings, visit the recipes below!
Summer Vegetable Quinoa Salad
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 15 oz can chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 ½ cups frozen corn cooked and cooled
- 1 medium cucumber halved lengthwise and sliced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- ½ cup smoked gouda cheese diced
- ½ cup red onion diced
- ¼ cup minced fresh parsley packed
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon mayonnaise
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper about 4 turns
Before You Begin
Instructions
- Combine chicken broth and quinoa in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover simmered for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely. Place in refrigerator while you make the rest of the salad.
- In a large bowl, combine the corn, cucumber, tomatoes, gouda cheese, red onion, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine. Add quinoa and toss again.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, both vinegars and mayonnaise. Add salt to taste and pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Pour half of the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Test it for flavor, add more dressing if desired. Chill in refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on this blog on June 13, 2011.
Amanda Davis
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Natalie says
I’ve missed a few issues, and am really glad to see the nutritional values listed with this recipe, PLUS tips on how to reduce intake of some ingredients. BIG HELP, so thanks. Loving your salad dressing recipes in all your salads and often mix-and-match. I can’t imagine where you find the time to do all the things you do, and are good at. Wish I had some of your time and a lot of your creativity!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Natalie! Trying to hard to get the nutritional values updated on all of my recipes but I have just under 1,000!! So it’s taking me a while :) But glad it’s so helpful!!
Helen in Houston says
The was the first Quinoa recipe that I had ever tried, and I’ve been making it on a regular basis ever since you posted it. I take it to a monthly potluck for women, most of whom are over the age of 55, so I do omit the onions. Even though I’m not a vegetarian and do not have any gluten intolerance, I wanted to take a dish that might be enjoyed by everyone. It has been a big HIT. Would love to see more quinoa recipes.
Amanda says
Thanks Helen, I’m so glad it was enjoyed by all! I love quinoa too and you’re right, I need to add some more recipes. I’ll get on it! :)
TheIronYou says
This recipe looks unbelievable, I'm gonna try it really soon.
I recently wrote an article on the health benefits of quinoa, check it out.
http://www.theironyou.com/2011/03/more-on-quinoa.html
Peace
Mike @TheIronYou
Marla says
Amanda this quinoa looks awesome! Can't wait for the next SRC!
It is vegetarian week at Get Grillin' we would love if you submitted up to any 3 recipes (they don't have to be grilled) to our link up. This one would be perfect!
This week we have a ManPans giveaway. http://su.pr/3GCtXU
Ruchi M says
Looks great! Thanks for hosting such a great event!
Ruchi
http://ruchisimplyfood.blogspot.com
amanda @ fake ginger says
This looks like something my husband would love! Perfect as a side dish for ribs or BBQ chicken!
Megan's Cookin' says
This is a great Summer salad!!! We don't do potato salad much and this is a great alternative. So fresh!
Thanks for letting me be the flake this month. I promise it wont happen next month! I'm gonna make my dish right away and schedule that post! ;)
Thanks Amanda, your the best!
Kristen says
I have just recently convinced my family that quinoa is delicious. This is a perfect salad for this time of year.
Thanks so much, Amanda, for doing so much work to make this "club" a success.
Barb, sfo says
I've never tried quinoa but that looks really delicious!