Strawberry Cucumber Quinoa Salad (Vegan and Oil-Free)

Strawberry cucumber quinoa salad with fresh herbs and almonds in a bowl.

5 from 1 vote

Strawberry Cucumber Quinoa Salad (Vegan and Oil-Free)

Sweet and vibrant strawberry cucumber quinoa salad made with 10 wholesome ingredients, naturally vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free that can be made in 30 minutes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

Servings:

Calories: 190kcal

Author: Denise Perrault

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 ½ cups strawberries sliced, 14 ounces or 400 grams
1 large cucumber deseeded and chopped, 2 cups
1 small red onion diced, ½ cup
¼ cup lime juice
¼ cup white balsamic vinegar or white balsamic condiment
2 tablespoons maple syrup
¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped or torn
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped or torn
¼ cup almond flakes

Instructions

Add the quinoa plus 2 cups of water to a small saucepan. Bring the water to a simmer and cook covered or uncovered for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Make the dressing in a small bowl, combining the lime juice, white balsamic, and maple syrup.
Prep the veggies while the quinoa cooks and cools.
When the quinoa is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Stir in half the dressing and let it cool for a few minutes.
Add the rest of the salad ingredients and the remaining dressing to the quinoa. Mix well.
Serve at room temperature or chill until ready to serve.

Notes

To quickly deseed a cucumber, cut it in half and then cut the halves lengthwise. Scoop the seeds and soft middle using a small teaspoon.
Quinoa can be cooked, covered, or uncovered. I’ve tested both ways with similar results. Uncovered quinoa will take 1-2 minutes more for the liquid to absorb.
Test the dressing before adding it to the quinoa. Depending on the sweetness of the strawberries, you may want to adjust the ingredients.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Let the salad warm to room temperature and stir before reserving. I don’t recommend freezing quinoa salad.
Unless your quinoa states that it’s been pre-rinsed, you should rinse it before cooking. This reduces the bitterness from the natural coating on the quinoa grains.

Nutrition