healthy Cherry Pistachio Quinoa Salad for a Refreshing Summer Dish
Cherry Pistachio Quinoa Salad combines sweet cherries, crunchy pistachios, and fluffy quinoa.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1½ cups fresh cherries pitted and halved
- ½ cup pistachios roughly chopped
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh mint a handful, chopped
- Baby arugula optional
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
- Add quinoa and water to a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the quinoa sit uncovered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool.
- Pit and halve the cherries.
- Roughly chop the pistachios.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherries, pistachios, red onion, and chopped mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Fold in baby arugula if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving for an even more refreshing Cherry Pistachio Quinoa Salad.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Baby spinach can replace arugula.
- A drizzle of honey can enhance sweetness if desired.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, fish, or sandwiches.