Quinoa with Queso Fresco, Summer Squash and Mint

Serves 8 as a side dish (or 4 as a light meal)
Time 45 min
Quinoa with Queso Fresco, Summer Squash and Mint

This lemony quinoa salad starring roasted squash and fresh mint makes an aromatic summer side dish that’s perfect alongside grilled fish, chicken or pork chops. It’s hearty enough to serve as a lunch or light dinner—just add arugula or romaine to the plate.

Special Diets:

Gluten FreeGluten Free
VegetarianVegetarian
Sugar ConsciousSugar Conscious

Ingredients

    2 cupstricolor quinoa
    1/4 teaspoonfine sea salt
    2 smallzucchini, cut into 1/4-inch-thick half moons
    2 smallyellow summer squash, cut into 1/4-inch-thick half moons
    1 largeshallot, thinly sliced
    3 tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
    1/4 teaspoonground black pepper
    Zest and juice of 2 medium lemons
    3/4 cupfresh mint, chopped
    6 ouncesqueso fresco, crumbled
    1/3 cuproasted pumpkin seeds

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Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F.


Toast quinoa on a large rimmed baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes, until fragrant, and then cool.


Bring 3 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan.


Add toasted quinoa; reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.


Remove from heat and allow quinoa to remain covered for an additional 10 minutes.


Increase the oven temperature to 425°F.


Toss zucchini and squash with shallot, oil, salt and pepper on the baking sheet, and roast for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once, until brightly colored and lightly browned.


Use a fork to fluff quinoa and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.


Toss with warm squash, lemon zest and juice and mint.


Divide the salad among plates and garnish with cheese and pumpkin seeds.

Nutritional Info

Serving Size

Calories

270

Total Fat

10g

Saturated Fat

2.5g

Cholesterol

5mg

Sodium

130mg

Total Carbohydrate

35g

Dietary Fiber

5g

Total Sugars

4g

Protein

10g

Note: We've provided special diet and nutritional information for educational purposes. But remember - we're cooks, not doctors! You should follow the advice of your health-care provider. And since product formulations change, check product labels for the most recent ingredient information. See our Terms of Service.