Zucchini are the perfect vegetable for a quick, throw together salad that is big on taste and light on work. This zucchini quinoa salad is perfect to take along for picnics, potlucks or just to make for lunch because it can easily be make ahead.
This about the time of year that everyone’s garden is completely overrun by zucchini. We all make bread, muffins, zoodles, fritters, dinners with zucchini boats and yet we still have more zucchini to use. I won’t complain much because I love zucchini but I know it can get boring having zucchini in everything. That is until you try it in this zucchini quinoa salad. Then, you’ll mourn the end of zucchini season.
This salad is so easy to put together and makes a great lunch all by itself. Or, pair with grilled chicken or steak for a great dinner option that is perfect for the last days of summer.
I love how the warm quinoa softens the beans and zucchini a little bit before it all cools down in the refrigerator. I think it makes for a perfect mixture of textures. Of course, all the bright flavors of the dressing are the perfect finishing touch.
What are your favorite ways to use the last zucchini from the garden? Have you tried using quinoa instead of pasta in summer salads?
If you make this zucchini quinoa salad or any other recipe from the blog, I’d love to know about. Let me know in the comment or snap a photo and tag it #MySuburbanKitchen on Instagramor Twitter.
Essential Items for this Recipe:
Mixing Bowl // Whisk // Chef’s Knife // Lemon Zester // Quinoa // Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 cup quinoa cooked
- 1/2 cup kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 1 zucchini thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1 tsp grated lemon peel
- 2 Tbsp fresh basil chopped
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper.
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2. In a large bowl, combine warm quinoa, kidney beans, and zucchini. Toss with prepared dressing and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. When ready to serve, top with goat cheese, lemon peel and chopped basil.
This sounds and looks to die for!!! 🙂
Thanks! I have had it for several meals in a row this week because I love it so much.
Yum! This salad looks so fresh and delicious. I just love quinoa! Thank you for sharing on Family Joy Blog Link-Up Party. We hope to see you at the next party starting on Sunday at noon EST.
So much zucchini at my home, now I have a new recipe to try! Thanks
Ooh, this would be such a yummy lunch! And you’re right, it’s a refreshing take on zucchini!
I love how light and tasty this is! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
This is simply gorgeous! Love the colors, I will definitely have to try this out!