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Watermelon Quinoa Salad

Watermelon Quinoa Salad

A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring fluffy quinoa, sweet watermelon, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for a summer lunch or side dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Components
  • 1 cup Quinoa Rinsed
  • 2 cups Water
  • 4 cups Watermelon Diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese Crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Mint Chopped
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion Very thinly sliced
Lime Vinaigrette
  • 3 tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice
  • 4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Honey or Maple Syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the quinoa: Combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool completely.
  2. Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
  3. Combine the main ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled quinoa, diced watermelon, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh mint.
  4. Dress the salad: Pour the lime vinaigrette over the quinoa and watermelon mixture. Toss very gently to coat everything evenly without crushing the watermelon.
  5. Add feta and chill: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. For best flavor, cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt/pepper/lime) if necessary just before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, wait to add the feta cheese until just before serving as it can dissolve slightly if dressed too early. Use seedless watermelon.