Strawberry Spinach Quinoa Salad Fresh and Healthy Dish

Looking for a fresh and healthy dish? This Strawberry Spinach Quinoa Salad is perfect! Bursting with flavors and nutrients, it combines fluffy quinoa, vibrant spinach, and sweet strawberries. I’ll show you how to make a delicious dressing and toss everything together. Plus, I’ll share tips, variations, and storage advice to keep your salad crisp. Let’s dive into this colorful treat that’s great for any meal!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

– 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

– 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

– 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

Dressing Ingredients

– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

– Additional strawberry slices

– Extra feta cheese

When I start making this salad, I focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients. Quinoa serves as a great base. It’s full of protein and keeps you full. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. The strawberries bring natural sweetness. Crumbled feta adds a tangy kick. Finally, walnuts give a nice crunch.

For the dressing, I mix balsamic vinegar with honey for sweetness. Olive oil adds richness, while salt and pepper balance the flavors. You can add extra strawberry slices or more feta cheese as garnishes. These little touches make the salad even more appealing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Quinoa

1. Start by rinsing the quinoa. This removes any bitter coating. Use a fine mesh strainer to rinse it well under cold water.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb all the water.

4. After 15 minutes, remove the pan from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, still covered. This helps the quinoa fluff up.

5. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa gently. Set it aside to cool to room temperature.

Preparing the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, add 4 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach.

2. Next, add 1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries for a sweet touch.

3. Crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese and sprinkle it over the spinach and strawberries.

4. Toss in 1/4 cup of roughly chopped walnuts for crunch and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion for a bite.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. This will be your dressing.

Final Assembly

1. Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl with the fresh ingredients.

2. Toss everything together gently. You want to combine the flavors without squishing the strawberries.

3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss again to coat all the ingredients evenly.

4. You can serve the salad immediately or chill it for 30 minutes in the fridge. Chilling helps the flavors blend well.

5. For a nice touch, serve the salad in a large wooden bowl. Garnish it with extra strawberry slices and a sprinkle of feta on top.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Quinoa

Rinsing techniques:

Always rinse your quinoa before cooking. Rinsing helps remove a bitter coating called saponin. Use a fine mesh strainer for the best results. Run cold water over the quinoa for about 30 seconds. This step makes your quinoa taste fresh and clean.

Cooking tips for fluffy quinoa:

To cook fluffy quinoa, use a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. After it cooks, let it sit for 5 minutes without lifting the lid. Fluff it gently with a fork. This will give you light, airy grains.

Serving Ideas

Best presentation styles:

Serve the salad in a large wooden bowl. This gives it a rustic look. For a pop of color, garnish with additional strawberry slices and a sprinkle of feta on top. You can also use individual bowls for a personal touch.

Pairing suggestions:

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It also complements a light soup. For a complete meal, add whole grain bread on the side. These options enhance the salad’s bright flavors.

Flavor Enhancement

Adjusting dressing viscosity:

If you find your dressing too thick, thin it with a little water or more olive oil. Start with a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. A lighter dressing will coat the salad better.

Adding herbs for extra flavors:

Fresh herbs can elevate your salad. Try adding chopped basil or mint for a refreshing twist. You can also sprinkle in some parsley for added color and taste. These herbs work well with the sweet strawberries and savory feta.

Variations

Add-In Ideas

You can easily switch up this salad by adding different fruits. Try blueberries for a burst of sweetness. Mango also adds a tropical twist. Both fruits mix well with the spinach and quinoa.

For nuts, consider using almonds or pecans. Almonds add a crunchy texture, while pecans bring a rich flavor. These options keep the salad fresh and exciting.

Dietary Modifications

If you want a vegan version, simply swap out the feta cheese. You can use avocado or a vegan cheese. This keeps the creaminess without using dairy.

For gluten-free adjustments, quinoa is already a great choice. It’s naturally gluten-free. Just make sure other ingredients, like the dressing, are also free from gluten.

Seasonal Ingredients

Using seasonal produce can make this salad even better. In spring, try adding fresh peas. In summer, swap strawberries for peaches. Both options keep the salad vibrant and delicious.

The best times to make this salad are during warm months. Fresh fruits and greens are plentiful then. You’ll enjoy a mix of flavors that celebrate the season.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Avoid mixing the dressing in if you plan to save some. This way, the greens stay crisp. You can store it in the fridge for easy access.

Best Practices for Meal Prep

Prepping ingredients in advance helps save time. You can wash and chop the spinach and strawberries the day before. Store them in separate containers. Cook the quinoa ahead of time, too. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and bright.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, the salad stays fresh for about three days. The quinoa and veggies will hold well, but the strawberries might get mushy over time. If you want the best taste, eat it within two days.

FAQs

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, you can simply skip the feta cheese. Instead, use a plant-based cheese. You can also add extra nuts or seeds for flavor and texture. Nutritional yeast is a great option too. It adds a cheesy taste without dairy. You can find many vegan cheese options at stores.

Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Yes, you can use other grains in this salad. Farro is a tasty choice. It has a chewy texture and a nutty flavor. Couscous is another option. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. You could also try brown rice or barley. Each grain will change the taste slightly, but they all work well.

What are the health benefits of quinoa?

Quinoa is a superfood packed with nutrients. It is high in protein and fiber. This helps keep you full and satisfied. Quinoa also has vitamins and minerals like magnesium and iron. It is gluten-free, making it a great choice for many diets. Eating quinoa can support heart health and weight management.

This blog post covered all the important steps for making a tasty quinoa salad. You learned about the main ingredients like quinoa, spinach, strawberries, and feta. I shared easy steps to cook quinoa, prepare fresh ingredients, and assemble everything nicely. You also got helpful tips on storage, variations, and serving ideas. In conclusion, this salad is healthy and flexible. Feel free to adjust it to your taste and enjoy it anytim