Watermelon Quinoa Salad
Ok….starting off by asking the question….do you like quinoa? I’ve found that people are either in the YES or NO column. There are very definite opinions about quinoa. After making it for my brother, he told me quinoa does not “bowl him over” (thought that was a pretty clever play on words) and that’s ok, it’s not for everyone!
Watermelon Quinoa Salad
When I asked my hubby what he thought of quinoa, he said…”I love playing quinoa when we go to Vegas!” I looked at him with one of those seriously? looks (ladies you know what I’m talking about!) Then he smiled and said yes, I love it, the more the better!
Watermelon Salad
So whether you love quinoa, or never have tried it, this is an excellent option for a bright summer salad!
Very simple ingredients –
Watermelon Salad
- watermelon
- quinoa
- feta cheese
- almonds
- arugula
- kalamata olives
- lemon
- olive oil
- balsamic reduction
We enjoyed it last night with a glass of wine on a hot, hot, hot Fresno evening and it was a perfect light dinner.
Watermelon Quinoa Salad
This morning as I was packing my hubby’s lunch, I tried it again, just a sample. It’s best super cold – so if you make this, cut up the watermelon, cook the quinoa, chop the olives and toast the almonds, you can mix them together and refrigerate it. Just before serving add the feta and arugula.
Dress the salad with a couple drizzles of olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss to coat and transfer it to a beautiful bowl. Top it with a balsamic vinegar reduction and it’s ready to serve!
Watermelon Quinoa Salad
Leftovers are delicious on day two. This meal is light and very healthy. Don’t worry though, you don’t need to tell everyone how good it is for you. 😀 Enjoy!
More delicious salads to enjoy!
- Southwest Salad Recipe
- Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad
- Asparagus Salad Recipes
- 30 Minute Skinny Taco Salad Bowl
- Quinoa Greek Salad Recipe
Watermelon Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups watermelon cut into small bite sized pieces
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 4 oz feta cheese crumbled
- 1/2 cup almonds or walnuts
- 2 cups arugula lightly packed
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives cut in half
- 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- balsamic reduction - optional recipe below
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to package directions. When complete, drain and set aside to cool.
- Toast the almonds (or walnuts) in a dry pan on top of the stove over medium-low heat. It will take about 10 minutes to toast them. Watch the pan as you will need to shake it occasion to ensure they do not burn. When they are toasty brown, remove them from the heat and immediately remove them from the pan (If they are left in the pan, they will continue to cook and may burn) and set them on the cutting board. When they are cool enough to handle, give them a chop. You'll want large, crunchy pieces.
- Cut the watermelon into small bite sized pieces. Put these in a large bowl with the kalamatra olives. When cooled add the quinoa and nuts. Add the crumbled feta cheese and arugula. Drizzle with olive oil and an entire lemon. Toss together well, transfer to a beautiful bowl and drizzle with the balsamic reduction. Enjoy!
- This salad is best super cold, so it makes sense to cook the quinoa the day before and chop the watermelon and refrigerate them overnight. The next day assembly is super easy!
- Balsamic Glaze - 1 cup of good balsamic vinegar. Place in a non-reactive pan over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Turn your fan on because the vinegar is quite pungent! Reduce to medium and continue to simmer for about 10 minutes until the vinegar will coat the back of a spoon. Once cool, tuck it into the refrigerator - it will continue to thicken as it cools. This will last a week in your refrigerator.
Nutrition
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Ken Corliss
It does look good on a warm evening.
Bowl Me Over
Thanks! Give it a try, you just might like it! 😉
Stephanie Stuart
What in interesting spin! I don’t think I’ve ever heard of watermelon and quinoa together so this is super neat!
Bowl Me Over
Hey Stephanie – I agree, it’s unexpected but a great combination of flavors – sweet, salty, creamy crunchy – hits all the notes!
Lois
That looks just great, so pretty and I bet it tastes as good as it looks. Will be trying it.
Bowl Me Over
You’ll love it, such great flavors!
christine
I am in the YES column for quinoa, especially in salads. I’m intrigued by this combo!
Bowl Me Over
Awesome, let me know what you think if you give it a try Christine!
Valerie
GREAT Summer salad to bring to a cookout!
Bowl Me Over
Perfect for a cookout – great idea Valerie!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
What an fantastic list of ingredients. This is a great gathering of flavors and really nutritious.
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Michelle, I hope you enjoy the salad, it’s so yummy!
Florian @ContentednessCooking
This looks delicious, perfect for summer or picnic!
Bowl Me Over
Love those bright fresh flavors, thanks Florian!
Kristen
Seriously yum. this looks awesome!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Kristen, I appreciate you stopping by!
Dan
Loved this salad, it was even better on day two.
Bowl Me Over
Thanks honey! <3
Amber | Caleigh's Kitchen
What a unique combo of flavors. I LOVE watermelon and love how the quinoa helps to add to the nutritious and filling side of this dish! You should come link it up on my link party today!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Amber, heading your way!
Joy @ Joy Love Food
I am so into quinoa salads right now, this sounds incredible with the watermelon, feta and arugula, yum!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Joy – unexpected combo, but it really works!
Healing Tomato
This is the best salad I have seen in a long time. I would never have thought to include watermelon and quinoa in a recipe. Great job with this recipe.
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Rini, it’s an interesting combination and both my hubby and I just loved it!
Emily | Rainbow Delicious
This salad looks so refreshing and has some of my favorite ingredients- kalamata olives, watermelon and feta. This looks like a must try! I think adding avocado might be delicious too!
Bowl Me Over
Ooooh! What a great idea Emily. The avocado would really add to the creaminess of the salad.
lizzy
how interesting to put watermelon in this salad!!! This looks so refreshing!!
Bowl Me Over
It’s an unexpected combination Lizzy, but quite delicious!
Brandy M
I have always been interested in trying a watermelon salad, but have never actually tried it before! I am not a feta fan so I would skip that, but otherwise this looks wonderful!
Joanne T Ferguson
What a great combination salad as would never had thought to combine these ingredients, but it works for me! Looks and sounds healthy as can be!
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen
This looks very flavorful and healthy at the same time. I love it.
Bowl Me Over
It’s a great combination of flavors and textures, so yummy!
Nettie Moore
This looks fantastic! Nettie
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Nettie!!
Joy @ Joy Love Food
I love quinoa salads, but haven’t tried it with watermelon yet, this sounds refreshing and delicious!
Amy (Feeding Finn)
Yum! I’m definitely a YES when it comes to quinoa! 🙂
Bowl Me Over
Me too Amy! 😀
Joanne/WineLady Cooks
I will definitely try your delicious Watermelon Quinoa salad. I make it often and I’m always looking for something a little different.