Looking for a fresh, tasty dish that’s easy to make? You’ll love this Strawberry Spinach Quinoa Salad! Packed with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, it’s perfect for any meal. Whether you're hosting a picnic or need a quick weeknight dinner, this salad will impress everyone. Let’s dive into the ingredients, steps, and tips to make your salad shine! Get ready to enjoy a bright and satisfying meal!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Vibrant Ingredients: This salad beautifully combines the freshness of spinach and the sweetness of strawberries, creating a delightful taste experience.
- Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with quinoa, walnuts, and feta cheese, this salad is not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can whip up this salad in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe allows for substitutions and additions, so you can make it your own by adding other favorite fruits or nuts.
Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients
To make a delicious Strawberry Spinach Quinoa Salad, gather these ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or fresh water
- 4 cups fresh spinach, meticulously washed and dried
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and beautifully sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled into small pieces
- 1/4 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced for a subtle crunch
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar for tanginess
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for richness
- 1 tablespoon honey for a touch of sweetness
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions for common allergens
If you need to adapt the recipe for allergies, consider these swaps:
- Quinoa: Use brown rice for a gluten-free option.
- Feta cheese: Try dairy-free feta or omit it for a vegan salad.
- Walnuts: Substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for nut-free needs.
- Honey: Use maple syrup for a vegan-friendly sweetener.
Nutritional benefits of key ingredients
This salad is not just tasty; it offers great nutrition too.
- Quinoa: A complete protein, it helps with muscle repair and growth.
- Spinach: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, it supports eye health and skin.
- Strawberries: High in antioxidants, they boost heart health and fight inflammation.
- Walnuts: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, they are good for brain health.
- Feta cheese: Adds calcium for strong bones but use sparingly due to fat content.
This colorful salad provides a mix of flavors and health benefits. Enjoy making it fresh!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking quinoa perfectly
To cook quinoa, start by rinsing 1 cup in cold water. This removes bitter saponins. Next, add the rinsed quinoa to a medium saucepan with 2 cups of vegetable broth or fresh water. Bring this to a rolling boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 15 minutes. The quinoa is done when it looks fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid. Remove it from heat and let it cool slightly before using.
Mixing and tossing the salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with 4 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of toasted walnuts, and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. Toss these ingredients gently with your hands or a spoon. Make sure everything mixes well. This ensures each bite is full of flavor and texture.
Making the simple dressing
To create the dressing, take a small bowl. Whisk together 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until everything blends smoothly. This dressing adds a nice tang and sweetness to the salad. Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and toss again. This helps coat all the ingredients evenly. For the best taste, serve the salad right away or chill it for 30 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
How to enhance flavor combinations
To boost flavors in your salad, mix sweet and tangy. The strawberries add sweetness, while balsamic vinegar brings tang. Try adding a pinch of fresh herbs like basil or mint for extra zest. A sprinkle of lemon juice can brighten the dish, making each bite pop. If you like crunch, add more toasted walnuts or even some crispy chickpeas.
Best practices for meal prep
When prepping your salad, make sure to rinse the quinoa well. This removes bitterness for a better taste. Cook it in vegetable broth for extra flavor. You can prep the salad in advance. Just store each ingredient separately. Wait to mix the dressing until right before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy.
Keeping the salad fresh longer
To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Add a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture. This helps prevent sogginess. If you have leftover dressing, store it separately. Just dress the salad when you are ready to eat. For best taste, consume within 2-3 days.
Pro Tips
- Quinoa Rinsing: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste.
- Spinach Freshness: Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. Wilted or older spinach can make the salad less appealing.
- Ingredient Temperature: Allow the quinoa to cool to room temperature before mixing with the salad ingredients to prevent wilting the spinach.
- Dressing Balance: Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey based on your preference and the tartness of the strawberries.
Variations
Adding protein options (chicken, chickpeas)
You can boost this salad by adding protein. Grilled chicken adds a savory touch. Simply slice it and mix it in. Chickpeas are a great plant-based choice. They add fiber and protein without meat. Rinse canned chickpeas and toss them in. Both options make the dish more filling.
Seasonal fruit substitutions
Feel free to mix up the fruits based on what’s in season. Blueberries or raspberries work well. If you want a tropical twist, try mango or pineapple. Each fruit adds its unique flavor and color. This keeps the salad exciting all year long.
Vegan adaptation of the recipe
To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese. You can use avocado for creaminess instead. Nutritional yeast is a great alternative to add a cheesy flavor. It’s packed with vitamins too. This way, you still get a tasty, fresh dish that everyone can enjoy.
Storage Info
How to store leftover salad
Store your leftover salad in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you have extra dressing, store it separately. This will help keep the greens crisp.
Best containers for storage
The best containers are glass or BPA-free plastic. Glass containers do not stain or hold odors. Choose a container with a snug lid for the best seal. This will keep air out and help maintain freshness.
Signs the salad is no longer fresh
Check for slimy spinach or mushy strawberries. If the salad smells off, it's best to discard it. Also, if the quinoa looks dry or hard, it may be time to toss it. Fresh ingredients are key to a tasty salad.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first. This helps bring back some flavor. Frozen strawberries work well if fresh ones are not available. Keep in mind they may be softer. This can change the texture of your salad.
How long does it last in the fridge?
The salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. After a couple of days, the spinach may wilt. The flavors may also blend more. If you like a crunchy salad, eat it sooner.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it with a light soup. For a vegetarian option, add chickpeas or tofu. These options make it a more filling meal. Enjoy it as a side or a main dish.
We explored how to make a fresh and tasty salad. You learned about key ingredients and how to substitute for allergies. I shared steps for cooking quinoa and mixing the salad. We talked about tips to enhance flavor and meal prep. You can customize it with proteins and seasonal fruits. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep your salad fresh. This salad is not just healthy; it’s also a fun way to eat well! Enjoy creating your version!
