Summer Squash and Red Quinoa Salad with Walnuts

Gluten Free
Health score
25%
Summer Squash and Red Quinoa Salad with Walnuts
35 min.
6
262kcal

Suggestions


Welcome to a delightful culinary experience with our Summer Squash and Red Quinoa Salad with Walnuts! This refreshing dish brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh summer squash and the nutty goodness of red quinoa. Perfect as a side dish for your summer barbecues, an elegant starter, or a light meal on its own, this salad is not just delicious; it’s also gluten-free and packed with nutritious ingredients.

Imagine biting into tender slices of summer squash, complemented by the subtle crunch of toasted walnuts and the aromatic notes of fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Topped with a zesty dressing made from freshly grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and a hint of Sherry vinegar, each bite bursts with flavor. This recipe is not only quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes—but also beautifully colorful on the plate, making it a showstopper for any gathering.

The hearty quinoa adds a lovely texture and helps make this salad satisfying and filling while remaining light. With a balanced caloric profile, this dish is a smart choice for those seeking a healthy yet delightful option. Whether you’re looking for a tasty addition to your antipasti platter or a star dish for your next picnic, our Summer Squash and Red Quinoa Salad with Walnuts is sure to impress. Let’s get cooking and savor the flavors of summer!

Ingredients

  • servings pepper black freshly ground
  • tablespoons parmesan plus shaved with a peeler finely grated
  • 0.5 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves 
  • 0.3 cup basil leaves fresh
  • teaspoons kosher salt plus more for seasoning
  • tablespoons juice of lemon fresh
  • teaspoon lemon zest finely grated
  • tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin
  • 0.5 cup other quinoa red rinsed drained
  • tablespoon sherry vinegar 
  • pound summer squash assorted
  • 0.5 cup walnuts toasted

Equipment

  • bowl
  • paper towels
  • sauce pan
  • whisk

Directions

  1. Bring quinoa and 4 cups water to a boilin a medium saucepan. Season with salt,cover, reduce heat to medium-low, andsimmer until quinoa is tender but not mushy,12–15 minutes.
  2. Drain; return quinoa to hotsaucepan. Cover and let sit for 15 minutes.Uncover; fluff with a fork and let cool.
  3. Cut squash into 1/8"-thick slices, somelengthwise and some crosswise.
  4. Transferto a large bowl, season with 2 teaspoons salt, andtoss to coat.
  5. Let sit until slightly wilted,about 15 minutes. Rinse under cold waterand drain well. Pat dry with paper towels.
  6. Whisk grated Parmesan, zest, juice, andvinegar in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk inoil. Season dressing with salt and pepper.
  7. Combine squash, quinoa, parsley, walnuts,and basil in a large bowl.
  8. Pour dressing over;toss to coat.
  9. Garnish with shaved Parmesan.
  10. Per serving: 350 calories, 29 g fat, 3 g fiber
  11. Bon Appétit

Nutrition Facts

Calories262kcal
Protein7.64%
Fat72.09%
Carbs20.27%

Properties

Glycemic Index
35.5
Glycemic Load
0.76
Inflammation Score
-7
Nutrition Score
14.691739078287%

Flavonoids

Cyanidin
0.26mg
Eriodictyol
0.24mg
Hesperetin
0.72mg
Naringenin
0.07mg
Apigenin
10.79mg
Luteolin
0.07mg
Kaempferol
0.07mg
Myricetin
0.74mg
Quercetin
0.03mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:262.3kcal
13.12%
Fat:21.85g
33.61%
Saturated Fat:2.95g
18.42%
Carbohydrates:13.82g
4.61%
Net Carbohydrates:11.09g
4.03%
Sugar:2.12g
2.35%
Cholesterol:1.13mg
0.38%
Sodium:807.69mg
35.12%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:5.21g
10.41%
Vitamin K:97.3µg
92.67%
Manganese:0.79mg
39.47%
Vitamin C:22.19mg
26.89%
Vitamin E:2.58mg
17.19%
Folate:67µg
16.75%
Magnesium:60.68mg
15.17%
Vitamin B6:0.3mg
14.84%
Copper:0.29mg
14.61%
Phosphorus:143.03mg
14.3%
Vitamin A:643.11IU
12.86%
Fiber:2.73g
10.93%
Vitamin B2:0.18mg
10.55%
Potassium:361.3mg
10.32%
Iron:1.66mg
9.24%
Vitamin B1:0.13mg
8.49%
Zinc:1.07mg
7.16%
Calcium:57.92mg
5.79%
Vitamin B3:0.78mg
3.89%
Vitamin B5:0.32mg
3.21%
Selenium:2.23µg
3.19%
Source:Epicurious