Quinoa Deli Salad With Ham & Mozzarella

Quinoa Deli Salad with Ham & Mozzarella is a fresh and protein-packed meal that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with savory ham and creamy mozzarella. Tossed with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, this salad offers a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and nutrition. Light yet satisfying, it’s an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a refreshing dinner that keeps you energized.

Ingredients

• ½ Cup Dry Quinoa & 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Cup Water Or Low-Sodium Broth
• 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes, Halved
• 2 Cups Mixed Salad Greens/Arugula
• ¼ Tsp Salt, ¼ Tsp Black Pepper
• 4 Oz Lean Deli Ham, Diced 1 Cup Cucumber, Diced
• 4 Oz Part-Skim Mozzarella
• 2 Tsp Red Wine/Apple Cider Vinegar 1 Tsp Dijon Mustard, 1 Clove Garlic

Directions

1. Cook Quinoa: Rinse The Dry Quinoa In A Fine Mesh Strainer. In A Small Saucepan, Combine Quinoa And 1 Cup Water (Or Broth). Bring To A Boil, Then Reduce Heat To Low, Cover, And Simmer For About 12–15 Minutes Until Quinoa Is Tender And Liquid Is Absorbed. Fluff With A Fork And Let It Cool (For A Salad, It’s Best If Quinoa Is Room Temperature Or Slightly Warm, Not Piping Hot). You Can Spread It On A Plate To Cool Faster.
2. Make Dressing: In A Small Bowl/Jar, Whisk Together The Olive Oil, Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Minced Garlic, Salt, & Black Pepper. This Is A Simple Vinaigrette. Set Aside.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In A Large Bowl, Combine The Cooked And Cooled Quinoa, Diced Ham, Diced Mozzarella, Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, & Salad Greens.
4. Dress & Toss: Pour The Dressing Over The Salad. Toss Everything Gently Until Well Combined And The Dressing Coats The Ingredients.
5. Portion & Tips: Divide The Cooked Brown Rice Into 2 Serving Bowls As The Base. On Top Of Each, Arrange The Components: Spoon Half Of The Black Beans Onto Each Bowl, Add The Sautéed Pepper And Onion Mix, And Then Add Shredded Lettuce. Place Diced Or Sliced Avocado On Top. Spoon ~¼ Cup Of Salsa Onto Each Bowl. Sprinkle With Fresh Cilantro If Using.
6. C) Serve Or Store: Serve Immediately Or Refrigerate. If Refrigerated, Let It Sit At Room Temp For A Few Minutes Before Eating For Best Flavor.