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Home » Recipes » Beans and Rice sides

Watermelon Quinoa Salad

Published: Jun 1, 2015 · Modified: Apr 30, 2020 by Bowl Me Over · 38 Comments

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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 3

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

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

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

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
  • Asparagus Salad Recipes
  • 30 Minute Skinny Taco Salad Bowl
  • Quinoa Greek Salad Recipe
Watermelon Quinoa Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Watermelon Quinoa Salad

Watermelon Quinoa Salad - This meal is light and very healthy. Leftovers are delicious on day two. 
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 340kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups watermelon cut into small bite sized pieces
  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 4 oz feta cheese crumbled
  • ½ cup almonds or walnuts
  • 2 cups arugula lightly packed
  • ¼ cup kalamata olives cut in half
  • 1 lemon
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • balsamic reduction - optional recipe below

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

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

Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 303mg | Potassium: 433mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1125IU | Vitamin C: 22.9mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 2.3mg
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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy (Feeding Finn)

    July 21, 2015 at 1:22 am

    Yum! I'm definitely a YES when it comes to quinoa! 🙂

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      July 21, 2015 at 3:58 pm

      Me too Amy! 😀

      Reply
  2. Joy @ Joy Love Food

    June 08, 2015 at 10:16 am

    I love quinoa salads, but haven't tried it with watermelon yet, this sounds refreshing and delicious!

    Reply
  3. Nettie Moore

    June 06, 2015 at 8:18 pm

    This looks fantastic! Nettie

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 08, 2015 at 10:05 am

      Thanks Nettie!!

      Reply
  4. Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen

    June 06, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    This looks very flavorful and healthy at the same time. I love it.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 08, 2015 at 10:08 am

      It's a great combination of flavors and textures, so yummy!

      Reply
  5. Joanne T Ferguson

    June 05, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    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!

    Reply
  6. Brandy M

    June 05, 2015 at 4:51 pm

    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!

    Reply
  7. lizzy

    June 03, 2015 at 6:03 am

    how interesting to put watermelon in this salad!!! This looks so refreshing!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 03, 2015 at 1:48 pm

      It's an unexpected combination Lizzy, but quite delicious!

      Reply
  8. Emily | Rainbow Delicious

    June 02, 2015 at 7:38 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 03, 2015 at 1:50 pm

      Ooooh! What a great idea Emily. The avocado would really add to the creaminess of the salad.

      Reply
  9. Healing Tomato

    June 02, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 03, 2015 at 1:51 pm

      Thanks Rini, it's an interesting combination and both my hubby and I just loved it!

      Reply
  10. Joy @ Joy Love Food

    June 02, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    I am so into quinoa salads right now, this sounds incredible with the watermelon, feta and arugula, yum!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 03, 2015 at 1:51 pm

      Thanks Joy - unexpected combo, but it really works!

      Reply
  11. Amber | Caleigh's Kitchen

    June 02, 2015 at 11:59 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 03, 2015 at 1:53 pm

      Thanks Amber, heading your way!

      Reply
  12. Dan

    June 02, 2015 at 8:31 am

    Loved this salad, it was even better on day two.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 02, 2015 at 9:10 am

      Thanks honey! <3

      Reply
  13. Kristen

    June 02, 2015 at 7:30 am

    Seriously yum. this looks awesome!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 02, 2015 at 9:11 am

      Thanks Kristen, I appreciate you stopping by!

      Reply
  14. Florian @ContentednessCooking

    June 02, 2015 at 3:21 am

    This looks delicious, perfect for summer or picnic!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 02, 2015 at 9:11 am

      Love those bright fresh flavors, thanks Florian!

      Reply
  15. Michelle @ The Complete Savorist

    June 01, 2015 at 11:44 pm

    What an fantastic list of ingredients. This is a great gathering of flavors and really nutritious.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 02, 2015 at 9:12 am

      Thanks Michelle, I hope you enjoy the salad, it's so yummy!

      Reply
  16. Valerie

    June 01, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    GREAT Summer salad to bring to a cookout!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 02, 2015 at 9:13 am

      Perfect for a cookout - great idea Valerie!

      Reply
  17. christine

    June 01, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    I am in the YES column for quinoa, especially in salads. I'm intrigued by this combo!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 01, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      Awesome, let me know what you think if you give it a try Christine!

      Reply
  18. Lois

    June 01, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    That looks just great, so pretty and I bet it tastes as good as it looks. Will be trying it.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 01, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      You'll love it, such great flavors!

      Reply
  19. Stephanie Stuart

    June 01, 2015 at 11:30 am

    What in interesting spin! I don't think I've ever heard of watermelon and quinoa together so this is super neat!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 01, 2015 at 11:47 am

      Hey Stephanie - I agree, it's unexpected but a great combination of flavors - sweet, salty, creamy crunchy - hits all the notes!

      Reply
  20. Ken Corliss

    June 01, 2015 at 11:14 am

    It does look good on a warm evening.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      June 01, 2015 at 3:12 pm

      Thanks! Give it a try, you just might like it! 😉

      Reply
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