Goat Cheese Quinoa Salad with Fruit

June 9, 2022
Last Updated: September 24, 2024
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Recipes

This goat cheese quinoa salad with fruit blends savory quinoa and goat cheese with a variety of fresh fruit options, topped with a smooth citrus honey dressing.

sweet potato goat cheeses salad topped with lemons in white bowl

This post is sponsored by NC SweetPotatoes.

Summer salads are my jam. I could eat them all day every day, especially when it involves quinoa and goat cheese.

We’ve even combined quinoa and couscous in this couscous vegan salad, and quinoa and brown rice in this brown rice and quinoa salad.

But quinoa with goat cheese is a new match made in heaven.

clear bowl with ingredients for fruity quinoa salad with honey citrus dressing

I just love cheese in a salad – as evidenced by this cantaloupe salad with mozzarella, lime and mango quinoa salad or even this hearty summer chicken salad.

Adding goat cheese to a quinoa salad adds such a layer of creaminess that just soaks up all of the other delicious flavors!

And, such a great opportunity to combine fresh and tasty fruits and vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Goat Cheese Quinoa Salad With Fruit

Bursting with flavor – This quinoa goat cheese salad combines savory options, like grains and cheese, with sweet fruit and taters. I mean, fruit and cheese pairs beautifully together, right wine lovers?
Full of fiber and plant protein – Thanks to the quinoa and pistachios, this quinoa salad with goat cheese is bursting with protein and fiber. You can even add a scoop of tofu pesto for more protein.
Great for active individuals – Goat cheese quinoa salad is also high in carbohydrates, thanks to the fruits, veggies and quinoa, so if you’re an active athlete, consider this as a high carb lunch for runners!
Ideal for spring and summer– If you’ve never tried a light and summery fruity quinoa salad salad, this is your invitation to – a great low glycemic fruit salad!
Perfect for picnics and summer gatherings – Bring it to all your summer cookouts and bbq’s this year – your guests will thank you!

sarah schlichter drinking smoothie on kitchen counter

Why Sarah Loves this Recipe

“The creamy goat cheese makes this quinoa salad with goat cheese such a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor, ideal for a light, summer meal!”

Ingredients

Quinoa is actually very versatile – it goes well with so many different foods, like fruits, veggies, cheeses, proteins, etc.

It’s one of my favorite pairings for sweetpotatoes!

Another thing I love about quinoa is that you can cook in bulk, freeze it, and even make quinoa in the instant pot.

Ingredients on table to make quinoa sweet potato fruit salad

Feel free to make your fruity quinoa salad with any fruits you have on hand.

sweetpotato
tri-colored quinoa (you can use white quinoa too, but the tri color is more vibrant)
strawberries
grapes
red onion
cherries
cucumber
goat cheese
pistachios
lemon
olive oil or avocado oil
salt and pepper

For the lemon honey vinaigrette:

apple cider vinegar
lemon juice
honey
olive oil or avocado oil
salt

lemon honey vinaigrette dressing in clear small bowl

The lemon honey vinaigrette goes perfectly with this light quinoa salad with goat cheese, and really helps mold the different flavors together.

It has the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and is light enough to not overpower the flavors of fruit in the salad.

Optional topping ideas include dried fruit, whole grain croutons, nuts/seeds, or even a meat or protein option, like bbq roasted chickpeas, tofu or air fryer tempeh, salmon, or chicken.

How to Make a Quinoa Goat Cheese Salad

You’re going to want to start by first cooking your diced sweetpotatoes. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees, and peel and dice the sweetpotatoes.

Roast for 35-40 minutes, flipping once. I recommend using this silicone liner for easier clean up!

While the sweetpotatoes are roasting, cut your fruit and cook your quinoa according to directions.

I usually cook 1 part quinoa to two parts liquid.

TASTY UPGRADE!

Rather than water, you can cook your quinoa in bone broth, coconut milk or chicken broth for more flavor!

Then, arrange your quinoa goat cheese bowl with the finished components, starting with cooked quinoa and roasted sweetpotatoes.

Next, topping with fruit, goat cheese, pistachios and lemon honey vinaigrette.

quinoa salad with goat cheese topped with fruit and pistachios

FAQ

How to store a quinoa salad with goat cheese

Store your goat cheese quinoa salad in a tupperware container or a large covered bowl in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I use dried fruit in this salad?

Yes, you can use dried fruit, like raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc. You can also switch up the fresh fruit to your liking as well. It’s a versatile summer quinoa salad!

TRY some of these other EASY recipes!

Yield: 3 servings