Balsamic Quinoa Caprese Salad

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This recipe for Caprese salad is a fresh burst of flavor that includes the nutrient-dense ingredients of balsamic vinaigrette and quinoa.
There are few recipes more delicious than the burst of flavors from a freshly made Caprese salad which traditionally includes mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with Balsamic dressing.
In my ongoing effort, however, to work smarter not harder, I created a more nutrient-dense version of this basic recipe by including quinoa which gives a plant-based boost of lean protein. For even more protein I often eat this salad with leftover shredded chicken as well.
On low-carb days, we make this Caprese salad with chicken and leave out the quinoa as I shared here.
You will note in the instructions that I only add 1/4c of Balsamic vinaigrette to the dish right before serving. This gives the dish flavor while still allowing others to customize it to their tastes. They can add more vinaigrette if they want more of that flavor.
Another tip is to use chicken or vegetable broth instead of plain water when making the quinoa. This gives more flavor to the quinoa base.
I use cherry or grape tomatoes in this Caprese salad recipe and cut them in half. And perhaps most important of all, a high-quality fresh mozzarella cheese makes all the difference.
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Bon appetit!
For more yummy side dish ideas be sure to check out:
Balsamic Quinoa Caprese Salad
Secret Ingredient Fruit Salad – Easy Recipe
Balsamic Chicken Caprese Stack
Low Carb Tuna Salad Sandwich
Slow Cooker Fajita Chicken Salad
For more yummy side dish ideas be sure to check out:
Balsamic Quinoa Caprese Salad
Secret Ingredient Fruit Salad – Easy Recipe
Balsamic Chicken Caprese Stack
Low Carb Tuna Salad Sandwich
Slow Cooker Fajita Chicken Salad
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Balsamic Quinoa Caprese Salad
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 1 c uncooked quinoa
- 2 c chicken broth
- 10 oz container cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozerella balls or cubed
- 1/2 c fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 c balamac vinaigrette
Instructions
- Pour 2 cups chicken broth and 1 c dry quinoa into saucepan. Cook on high until boil and allow low simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid absorbed.
- While quinoa is cooking, dice the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Add to a 2 quart dish.
- Stir in the cooked quinoa and refrigerate. Mix in the balsamic vinaigrette when ready to serve. Add cooked chicken for a full meal if desired.
Tips
- Macros Per 1 Cup Serving: 20g Net Carbs, 10g Fat, 18g Protein

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