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Strawberry Spinach Quinoa Salad

Strawberry Spinach Quinoa Salad: A Refreshingly Light Delight

Enjoy a light and nutritious Strawberry Spinach Quinoa Salad, perfect for picnics or meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Healthy
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed before cooking
  • 4 cups spinach can substitute with kale
For the Fruit
  • 1 cup strawberries can substitute with any berries
For the Crunch
  • ½ cup almonds or walnuts or sunflower seeds for nut-free
For the Flavor
  • ½ medium red onion or green onions for milder taste
  • ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup to taste
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • large mixing bowl
  • small mixing bowl
  • skillet
  • salad spinner

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. Combine with 2 cups of water or broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and cool.
  2. Wash 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves thoroughly and pat dry. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Slice 1 cup of strawberries and add to the bowl with spinach. Thinly slice half a red onion and mix in.
  4. Toast ½ cup of almonds or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until golden. Allow to cool before adding to salad.
  5. Whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup in a small bowl. Adjust sweetness to taste.
  6. Add cooled quinoa to the bowl with spinach, strawberries, red onion, and toasted nuts. Gently fold to combine.
  7. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  8. Serve immediately or chill for up to an hour. Add dressing just before serving if prepping ahead.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 180mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow quinoa to cool completely before mixing with spinach. Add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.

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