Table of Contents
PESTO QUINOA SALAD bursts with emerald basil ribbons swirled through tender quinoa pearls, creating an herbaceous symphony that awakens every taste bud with Mediterranean magic. Picture fluffy grains tossed with vibrant cherry tomatoes, creamy pine nuts, and fresh mozzarella pearls while fragrant garlic and lemon dance through each bite. This powerhouse bowl transforms simple Salad Bowls into nutritional treasures, rivaling favorites like Spinach Quinoa Salad and Quinoa Feta Salad with its protein-packed profile. Whether you crave Warm Quinoa Salad comfort on cool evenings or refreshing Quinoa Salad Recipes Cold for summer picnics, this versatile dish delivers satisfaction in every spoonful while supporting your Vegan Quinoa Salad goals.
Why You’ll Love This PESTO QUINOA SALAD Recipe
- Nutritional powerhouse: complete protein from quinoa pairs with heart-healthy fats from basil pesto for sustained energy.
- Fifteen-minute wonder: cooked quinoa mingles with ready-made pesto faster than your morning coffee brews.
- Meal-prep champion: flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for Quinoa Avocado Salad lunch boxes all week long.
- Endless variations: transform into Kale Quinoa Salad Recipes by swapping greens or Quinoa Lentil Salad by adding protein legumes.
- Crowd-pleasing magic: even quinoa skeptics become converts when they taste this herbaceous, satisfying creation.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Mediterranean-Inspired |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | 30 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free, Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 6 |
| Best Served: | Room Temperature |
Ingredients
- 1½ cups tri-color quinoa – complete protein source delivering all essential amino acids according to Medical News Today.
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth – adds savory depth while cooking.
- ½ cup basil pesto – vibrant flavor base packed with antioxidants.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – juicy sweetness and lycopene boost.
- ½ cup fresh mozzarella pearls – creamy protein addition.
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts – buttery crunch and healthy fats.
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – concentrated umami flavor.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice – brightening acidity.
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil – silky mouthfeel enhancer.
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade – aromatic finishing touch.
- Sea salt and black pepper – to taste.
Pesto Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine with vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a mixing bowl to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk pesto, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
- Pour pesto mixture over cooled quinoa. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Fold in cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for 30 minutes if desired to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, top with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil ribbons.
Notes
How to Make the PESTO QUINOA SALAD
This Quinoa Salad Dressing Recipes approach combines perfectly cooked grains with herb-packed pesto for maximum flavor absorption.
Step 1: Cook Perfect Quinoa
Rinse quinoa until water runs clear. Combine with vegetable broth in a saucepan, bring to boil, then simmer covered 15 minutes until liquid absorbs.
Step 2: Cool and Fluff
Remove from heat, let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with fork. Transfer to large mixing bowl and cool completely.
Step 3: Create Pesto Base
Whisk together pesto, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Combine Main Elements
Pour pesto mixture over cooled quinoa, tossing gently to coat every grain evenly.
Step 5: Add Fresh Components
Fold in cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and sun-dried tomatoes with gentle movements.
Step 6: Season and Rest
Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Top with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil before plating your gorgeous PESTO QUINOA SALAD.
Pro Tips for Making the PESTO QUINOA SALAD
- Toast quinoa in dry pan 2 minutes before cooking for extra nutty depth.
- Make homemade pesto with cashews instead of pine nuts for budget-friendly richness.
- Transform into Warm Quinoa Salad by serving immediately after mixing hot quinoa with pesto.
- Double the recipe for meal-prep success—flavors improve after overnight chilling.
- Substitute fresh herbs like mint or parsley when basil isn’t available for unique Quinoa Salad Dressing Recipes variations.
How to Serve PESTO QUINOA SALAD
This versatile creation adapts beautifully to countless dining scenarios and flavor preferences.
- Alongside grilled chicken for a complete Quinoa Avocado Salad-style dinner.
- Stuffed into bell peppers and baked for Warm Quinoa Salad comfort food.
- Layered in mason jars with extra vegetables for portable lunch Salad Bowls.
- Topped with grilled shrimp for elegant entertaining.
- Mixed with baby spinach to create Spinach Quinoa Salad variations.
- Served over arugula beds for peppery contrast.
- Accompanied by crusty sourdough at weekend brunches.
- Garnished with crumbled feta for Quinoa Feta Salad richness.
- Paired with roasted vegetables as hearty Kale Quinoa Salad Recipes.
- Chilled and packed for picnic perfection as refreshing Quinoa Salad Recipes Cold.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Refrigerate in airtight glass containers up to 5 days.
• Keep mozzarella separate if storing longer than 2 days.
• Store pine nuts separately to maintain crunch.
• Refresh with extra lemon juice before serving leftovers.
Freezing
• Freeze plain cooked quinoa up to 3 months in portioned bags.
• Do not freeze assembled salad—dairy and vegetables lose texture.
• Freeze pesto separately in ice cube trays for future batches.
• Label containers with date and serving size.
Reheating
• Serve cold or at room temperature for best texture.
• If warming, heat gently in microwave 30 seconds maximum.
• Add fresh herbs and lemon juice after warming.
• Avoid overheating to prevent cheese from melting completely.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of quinoa and basil?
Quinoa provides complete protein and fiber for sustained energy, while basil contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support immune health and cellular repair.
Can I substitute quinoa?
Yes—try bulgur wheat, farro, or cauliflower rice. Cooking times vary, so adjust liquid accordingly for best results.
How can I add flavor without extra calories?
Boost taste with fresh herbs, lemon zest, balsamic vinegar, or roasted garlic instead of additional oil or cheese.
Can I meal-prep PESTO QUINOA SALAD?
Absolutely—prepare components separately and combine just before eating, or make complete salad up to 3 days ahead for grab-and-go convenience.
Final Thoughts
This PESTO QUINOA SALAD proves that nutritious eating never has to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction. With its perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and vibrant vegetables, it becomes your go-to solution for busy weeknight dinners or impressive weekend gatherings. Keep a batch in your refrigerator, and you’ll always have a wholesome, delicious meal just moments away from your table.
