A nutrient and superfood dense salad – this Grilled Summer Vegetable Quinoa Salad is bursting with flavors and drizzled with a light, Lemon Basil Vinaigrette!
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I have a confession.
I am an addict to making hearty salads. One dish meals. Nutrient dense, hearty one dish meals.
You could say I love the nutritional boost from them. But also, I secretly love the idea of less dishes. Makes for one happy cook!
It’s no secret that I have a love with quinoa. Caramelized butternut squash quinoa salad. To walnut and kale quinoa salad to even quinoa encrusted chicken fingers. No dish is safe from my love affair. But I don’t see anyone complaining. And if you are, I am glad we are separated by the internet world. Kidding!
Sorta….
With all the summer produce in abundance, one of my ‘go-t0’ make ahead meals is a quinoa salad bursting with said summer produce. Grilled zucchini, sweet corn, crunch red peppers, and sweet red onion mix with fluffy, whole grain quinoa. Then drizzled with a homemade vinaigrette that ties it all together. The basil freshens the salad and the lemon adds the brightness. Simply drizzle. Let marinate then chow down!
- 2 ears of corn
- 2 zucchini, chopped into ½ inch pieces
- 2 red peppers, chopped into ½ inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, sliced thick
- 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
- Vinaigrette:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup packed basil leaves, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium. Spray or rub corn with non-stick cooking spray or coconut oil. Lay on grill & turn once one side is charred. Remove from heat and let cool. Slice the kernels off the cob and set aside.
- Meanwhile, Grease a grill basket and add the zucchini, peppers and onion. Place on grill. Toss every few minutes and cook under tender-crisp. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- While veggies grill, cook the quinoa according to the package. Once cooked, remove from heat and place in a large bowl.
- For the Vinaigrette, combine all ingredients.
- Add the corn, veggies and vinaigrette to the quinoa bowl. Toss to combine all. Serve.
Looking for more healthy salads?
Simple {no cook} Zucchini Caprese Salad
Blueberry & Goat Cheese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dijon Dressing
Pear, Blue Cheese & Cranberry Spinach Salad with Honey Pecans
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Ohmygosh girl! You have the best looking salads ever! This is clearly no exception – pinned!
Awe thank you so much Jenn!!
This sounds fantastic! Between the grilled veggies and that vinaigrette – there is so much amazing flavor just screaming through the pictures. Want it.
Oh why thank you Heather! Its a fav around here for sure!
I love how bright and fresh this is, so perfect for summer!
Isn’t colorful food necessary for summer?! Thanks Kim!
This salad looks awesome!! You make such mouth watering salads! My whole family enjoys eating quinoa so this would be great!
Oh why thank you Malinda!! I hope you allude enjoy it 🙂
grilled veggies and quinoa YUM!!
Right?! Thanks Heather!
Love all the bright flavors in this dish! I’m with you, I’m totally a one pot kinda girl. Pinned! Can’t wait to make this one soon!
Right?! One pot is so much better! Thanks Alex!
How beautiful and fresh! And I love your presentation!
Awe thanks so much Dani!
When are you going to invite me over for dinner?! 🙂
The door is always open 😉
This salad is sooooo perfect for summer. All those veggies and that vinaigrette….I want!
I will gladly share! Thanks!
I love healthy dishes like this! Perfect for grilling season…I am really loving that lemon basil vinaigrette! Gonna have to make that next week. I have SOOO much basil right now!!
Pinning!
Oh jealous! Can you share some of that basil?! Thanks love!
It takes a very special salad to make me hungry! Totally craving a bowlful right now Meg – looks incredible and such perfect use of seasonal produce.
Awe I take that as a huge compliment! Thanks Thalia!
What an amazing simple yet oh so tasty dish! Love quinoa – I eat it almost everyday!! This is such a fun way to have salad!
Isn’t it the best?! Thanks Sam!
I love hearty salads too, but it’s because I’m afraid a regular salad won’t be enough food for me! 😉 This looks amazing, Meg. Your photos are always so beautiful!
Exactly! More the merrier! Thanks Andi!