Quinoa Watermelon Salad
This Amazing Summer Salad is so easy, full of vibrant, citrusy flavors and is great as an appetizer, lunch, or a full meal paired with your favorite protein.
GLUTEN FREE LUNCH RECIPESGLUTEN FREE SIDEGLUTEN FREE DINNER RECIPE
Lauren Vasnelis
6/24/2026
Quinoa Watermelon Salad
This refreshing Quinoa Watermelon Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fresh. Juicy watermelon and strawberries are paired with fluffy quinoa, bright lime, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a colorful dish that's ideal for summer gatherings, meal prep, or a light lunch.
Ingredient Breakdown
Quinoa
Quinoa provides the hearty base for this salad. It's naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, and absorbs the bright citrus flavors beautifully.
Watermelon
Watermelon adds natural sweetness, refreshing flavor, and plenty of juicy texture that makes this salad perfect for warm weather.
Strawberries
Fresh strawberries complement the watermelon while adding additional sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
Lime
Both the zest and juice brighten the entire dish. The zest provides concentrated citrus flavor while the juice adds freshness and acidity.
Basil
Fresh basil adds a subtle herbal flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fruit and balsamic notes.
Balsamic Reduction
A drizzle of balsamic reduction adds richness and tanginess, bringing all of the sweet and savory flavors together.
Ingredients
2 cups dry quinoa
3 cups water
3 limes (zested & juiced)
4 cups watermelon, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups strawberries, diced
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Balsamic reduction, for drizzling
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
Add the quinoa and water to a medium saucepan. Season to taste with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes, or until all of the water has been absorbed.
Remove from the heat and allow the quinoa to steam for about 5 minutes.
Fluff the quinoa with a fork and add in the zest and the juice of 2 limes. Let the quinoa chill completely in the refrigerator.
When ready to serve, combine the cooled quinoa, watermelon, strawberries, basil, and remaining lime zest and juice.
Gently toss until everything is evenly combined.
Transfer to a serving bowl or individual containers.
Drizzle with balsamic reduction just before serving.
Notes
Add any nuts or seeds you enjoy for extra crunch and texture.
Blueberries and grapes make excellent additions to this salad.
For the best texture, add the balsamic reduction immediately before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and works well for meal prep.
