Imagine a vibrant, refreshing salad that combines the sweet juiciness of strawberries, the cool freshness of mint, and the nutty goodness of quinoa - all in one incredible dish! This Strawberry Mint Quinoa Salad is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that will transform your summer dining experience. Perfect for health-conscious foodies, picnic lovers, and anyone craving a delicious, light meal that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it cool completely at room temperature, fluffing with a fork occasionally to prevent clumping.
- While quinoa cools, wash and slice fresh strawberries into thin, uniform pieces.
- Finely chop fresh mint leaves, ensuring they are evenly cut to distribute flavor throughout the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a light dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, sliced strawberries, chopped mint, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Garnish with additional mint leaves and serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Quinoa Perfection: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating and ensure a clean, fluffy texture.
- Cooling Technique: Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting of fresh ingredients and maintain the salad's crisp texture.
- Flavor Maximization: Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Ingredient Freshness: Use the ripest strawberries and freshest mint leaves for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add toasted nuts like almonds or swap feta for a vegan alternative to suit your dietary preferences.
- Dressing Tip: Whisk the olive oil and balsamic vinegar thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats every ingredient evenly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 242kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
