Looking for a vibrant dish that combines health and flavor in every bite? The Spinach Strawberry Quinoa Salad is your answer! This delightful salad not only tantalizes your taste buds with the sweetness of strawberries and the earthy goodness of spinach, but it also packs a nutritious punch with protein-rich quinoa. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is a breeze to prepare, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish. Dive into this refreshing salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, and discover why it’s become a favorite among health enthusiasts and foodies alike!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness. This step is important for enhancing the flavor of the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the quinoa simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the spinach and strawberries. Wash the spinach thoroughly and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the strawberries, remove the stems, and slice them.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped spinach, and sliced strawberries. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese to the salad mixture. This will add a creamy texture and a salty flavor to the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss everything together until the salad is well-coated with the dressing.
- Serve the Spinach Strawberry Quinoa Salad immediately, or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your fresh and nutritious salad!
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This crucial step removes any bitterness and enhances its natural flavor, making your salad even more enjoyable.
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: To achieve fluffy quinoa, make sure to let it sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows it to steam and become light and airy.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. They should be sweet and juicy to complement the savory spinach and feta.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like nuts, seeds, or even grilled chicken for extra protein. This salad is versatile and can be tailored to your taste!
- Make Ahead: If you're preparing this salad for a gathering, consider making the quinoa and dressing ahead of time. Just toss everything together right before serving for the freshest taste.
- Chill for Flavor: For an even more delicious experience, refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes after dressing it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
