Summer Squash Salad with Quinoa and Mozzarella

Summer Squash Salad with Quinoa and Mozzarella

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

  • 1 handful fresh basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • juice of one lemon
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups cooked and cooled quinoa (see package directions)
  • 1 cup mozzarella (diced)
  • 2 cups summer squash, yellow and green (diced)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chives (minced)
  • salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions

for the dressing
1. In a blender (this is where my Magic Bullet really comes in handy….to puree small batches quickly….easy clean up too), puree basil leaves, mustard, honey, lemon juice and olive oil until smooth. Set aside.
cook the squash
2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive to coat the surface then spread the diced squash out in a single layer and let cook, without disturbing, 3-4 minutes until squash is nicely caramelized on one side. Toss around while cooking just 1-2 minutes more then remove squash to a plate to cool. (Take care not to over-cook squash or it will turn to mush) Season lightly with salt and pepper.
make the salad
3. In a medium bowl, gently toss together the quinoa, squash, mozzarella and chives. Add basil dressing and toss well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve cold or at room temperature.