This Cucumber Quinoa Salad is easy to make ahead of time, naturally gluten-free, and full of fresh, feel-good flavors that everyone will love!
Doesn’t it feel so easy to cook this time of year?!?
Man, I don’t know about you, but one glance at the rainbow of gorgeous summer produce available at the farmers market feels like — poof! — instant inspiration to want to run home and cook something fresh and healthy and yummy. I love it!!! Yet one more reason why I believe summer is the most wonderful time of the year. ;)
With all of the fresh greens in season (and showing up in abundance my CSA) lately, I’ve been making kale and arugula and spring greens salads galore, which always feel so good. But for something different last week, I decided to make a refreshing little cucumber salad. I seem to be obsessed with English cucumbers lately, so I grabbed one from the fridge and tossed it with some fresh basil, red onion, and feta I had on hand. And then added in some quinoa for extra protein, and tossed it all with a simple lemony vinaigrette.
The result?
This fresh, fun, and fabulously flavorful salad that I already can’t wait to make again.
Cucumber Quinoa Salad Recipe | 1-Minute Video
Truly, it’s super easy to make. Just chop up a big English cucumber, some red onion, and lots fresh basil. Toss those together with some crumbled feta (or Parmesan, or any cheese that sounds good) and chilled (<– you don’t want it to be too hot and melt the cheese and wilt the basil) quinoa.
Then drizzle it all with a simple lemony vinaigrette.
Give it all a good toss.
And then this beautiful, healthy salad will be ready to share and enjoy.
It’s the perfect salad to make ahead for nights when you want to grill out, or to take along for a picnic or potluck, or to bring to work for a fresh lunch, or — really — anytime you’re craving a healthy and zesty little salad. Feel free to add in whatever vinaigrette you have on hand, or even add in some cooked chicken if you’d like some extra protein. I just recommend that you make this one…soon. :)
Enjoy!
Cucumber Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
Cucumber Quinoa Salad Ingredients:
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 2 cups chilled* cooked quinoa (see this tutorial for how to cook quinoa)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup julienned or roughly-chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 batch Lemony Italian vinaigrette (see below)
Lemony Italian Vinaigrette Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, homemade or store-bought
- pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
To Make The Cucumber Quinoa Salad:
- Toss all ingredients together until combined. Serve immediately.
To Make The Lemony Italian Vinaigrette:
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until combined.
Notes
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Made this tonight with quinoa left over from last week’s new recipe. My husband and I both think it’s a keeper!
Awesome, we’re so glad to hear that, MJ!
I loved this recipe. Light and Healthy and very tasty. Easy to make, which is a big plus for me
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Joan!
Easy and tasty light summer salad. I added chickpeas and a a little parsley. Very versatile salad and you could really add just about any veggies you have on hand.
Thank you for sharing, Andrea, we’re so glad you enjoyed this!
I love this recipe! I have added everything from the tailgate market to it and have made it many times already this season. Use lots more fresh lemon juice and a ton of thyme and oregano..yum!
Thank you so much, we’re so glad you enjoy this! :)
This was so easy to make! It was delicious and filling.
Thanks, Rocio, we’re so glad you enjoyed it!
Fabulous and refreshing. Made it for company, had leftovers and used it in many ways – on a bed of lettuce and spinach! In burrito! Added grilled chicken! Awesome change.
Awesome! These all sound great!!
I am working on making this right now. I decided to add some greek olives and may add some green pepper as well as garbanzo beans… I’ll see once I mix it up! I’ll let you know how it turns out! Today is my hubbies birthday and have a fun, surprise evening planned! We are going to a vineyard for a tour and tasting and then a picnic dinner in a treehouse overlooking the vineyard… Homemade Chicken Salad wraps, this salad, and a dessert (maybe just fruit!), and a live band will be there playing afterwards! Looking forward to a fun night with yummy food!! :)
Thanks for sharing, Kim, we hope you enjoyed it! And that sounds like such a fantastic evening! :)
I was thinking about adding a nut to this salad. Would toasted pine nuts work or would you suggest some other kind? Can’t wait to try!!
Hi Denise! Yes, we think some toasted pine nuts (or even almond slices) would be really yummy in this. We hope you enjoy!
This recipe sounds perfect for a hot summer day! I love adding cucumber into any meal for a simple way to stay hydrated! Can’t wait to share this recipe with my clients!
Thanks, Samina, we hope you enjoy it, it really is nice and refreshing! :)
Love it. Added mini grape tomatoes.
We’re so glad to hear that, Candace!