If you’re looking for a different, fresh and healthy way to eat, this quinoa salad is a sure-fire choice. It’s light, easy to prepare and perfect for those days when you want something quick but that really fills you up.
The combination of quinoa and watermelon creates a fascinating contrast: on the one hand, you have a nutritious and filling base, and on the other, a sweet and refreshing touch that makes this quinoa salad anything but run-of-the-mill.
What’s more, it’s a very versatile recipe. You can adapt it to whatever you have at home and it still works just as well. Ideal for summer lunches, light dinners or even to take to work.
Ingredients for quinoa and watermelon salad
To make this quinoa salad, you’ll need simple, easy-to-find ingredients:
- 1 cup of quinoa
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of diced watermelon (seedless)
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/4 red onion
- Feta cheese, to taste
- Fresh mint leaves
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
It’s important to use a good watermelon, as it will largely determine the flavour of the salad. The sweeter and juicier it is, the better the result you’ll get.
How to make the salad, step by step
How to make a quinoa saladThe first step in making a good quinoa salad is to cook the quinoa properly. Rinse it thoroughly under the tap to remove its bitter taste. Then, boil it in water for about 12–15 minutes until tender. Once ready, leave it to cool completely.
While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Cut the watermelon into cubes, peel and chop the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion. Wash the fresh mint and chop it roughly.
In a large bowl, add the cooled quinoa along with the watermelon, cucumber and onion. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese to add a salty note that contrasts with the sweetness of the watermelon.
For the dressing, mix the lemon juice with a dash of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Add it to the quinoa salad and toss gently so that all the ingredients are combined without breaking up the watermelon.
If you want to make it even better, leave the salad to chill in the fridge for about 20–30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to blend better and gives it a more pleasant texture.
This quinoa salad is perfect for summer, as it’s refreshing, light and very easy to make. You can also add other ingredients such as avocado, nuts or even chicken if you want to turn it into a more substantial meal.