Cherry Quinoa Salad
The following recipe and photography were provided by our partner, Megan Weimer of Dollop of Dough.
This refreshing Cherry Quinoa Salad perfectly encapsulates the flavors of Spring and Summer!
Fresh cherries are pitted and halved, then combined with Heinen’s pre-cooked red and white quinoa, finely chopped parsley, and mint leaves. A zesty lime and olive oil dressing is then drizzled on top, pulling it all together. The flavors meld to create a sweet and tangy salad that’s light, refreshing, and great year-round, but especially during Summer cherry season.
Quinoa is a complex carbohydrate, making this salad light in texture but nutritionally dense.
Served as a refreshing main dish, a simple side, or meal-prepped for lunch, it’s a delicious way to enjoy fresh cherries from Heinen’s Produce Department.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- There is no cooking required. This Cherry Quinoa Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, thanks to Heinen’s organic red and white quinoa, which comes pre-cooked for ultimate convenience. It’s perfect for picnics, camping, or any occasion where cooking appliances aren’t available.
- The flavors are refreshingly tangy and sweet. Cherries offer natural sweet and tart flavors that work well with the fresh parsley and mint in this salad. The quinoa offers a heartiness that creates the perfect bite.
- It’s extremely versatile. While cherries are the star of the show in this recipe, they can be swapped for strawberries, pomegranate seeds, apples, pears, or any fresh fruit you prefer. You could even omit the fruit entirely and add grilled chicken or tofu. This versatility ensures that it never gets old.
Cherry Quinoa Salad
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 packs Heinen’s organic cooked red and white quinoa
- 2 ½ cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- ¾ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup Heinen’s extra virgin olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine in quinoa, chopped cherries, parsley, and mint in a large bowl. Set aside.
- For the dressing, whisk the olive oil, lime zest, and lime juice in a small bowl until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Serve and enjoy!
