Description

This refreshing Watermelon Quinoa Salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy summer flavors. Made with juicy watermelon, fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, red onion, vegan feta, and crunchy pistachios, it’s tossed in a zesty lime-maple vinaigrette for a vibrant, nourishing dish. Light yet satisfying, it’s ideal for warm-weather lunches, BBQs, or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked quinoa (approximately 2/3 cup dry quinoa + 1 1/3 cup of water)

1 1/2 cups watermelon, cubed into small-medium pieces

1 large avocado, cubed

1/2 cup red onion, sliced thin

1 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/3 cup pistachios, chopped

1/3 cup dairy-free feta cheese (I used the Follow Your Heart brand)

Dressing

1/4 cup avocado oil

3 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

Cook the quinoa according to package directions. While the quinoa is cooking, make the dressing. Place everything in a personal blender and blend to combine. Alternatively you can whisk everything together in a bowl/measuring cup.
When the quinoa is fully cooked, place it in a large bowl to cool for about 20 minutes. While the quinoa is cooling cut the watermelon, avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, basil, and pistachios.
When the quinoa is cool, toss in the cut watermelon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, and salad dressing. Stir/blend the dressing before adding. Then right before serving toss in the avocado, pistachios and cheese.

Notes

READ THE BLOG POST FOR MORE TIPS & INFORMATION!

If you choose to make this salad ahead of time, reserve the avocado, pistachios, and cheese and toss them in right before serving for the best texture.

Prep Time: 30
Cook Time: 20
Category: salads