0 from 12 votes
Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Strawberries
This quinoa salad features nutrient-packed spinach, luscious strawberries, fresh basil, tangy goat cheese and toasted almonds. It's a celebration of colors, flavors, and texture!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 291 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Salad , Appetizer , Lunch
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- kosher salt
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, cut into ribbons
- 1 cup quartered strawberries
- 1 ounce goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Place the quinoa in a medium saucepan along with 2 cups water and ¼ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil then cover with a lid and reduce to a simmer. Simmer the quinoa about 15 minutes until cooked. Remove the lid and cook another 2-3 minutes until all of the water has evaporated. Remove from the heat and fluff with a fork.
- While the quinoa is still warm, toss it with some of the dressing. The quinoa really absorbs maximum flavor this way!
- Meanwhile, make the balsamic vinaigrette. Whisk the vinegar, mustard and honey together in a small bowl. Slowly pour in the olive oil while you continue to whisk. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
- Place the quinoa in a salad bowl along with the spinach, basil, strawberries, goat cheese and almonds. Add the rest of the dressing and toss to combine all ingredients well. Serve the salad alone or if desired, top with grilled chicken breast or salmon.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- I like to toss some of the dressing with the warm, cooked quinoa before it cools down completely. The quinoa absorbs maximum flavor this way. Then, toss the rest of the dressing with the salad at the end just before serving.
- I like to toss some of the dressing with the warm, cooked quinoa before it cools down completely. The quinoa absorbs maximum flavor this way. Then, toss the rest of the dressing with the salad at the end just before serving.
- To make this salad even heartier, top it with a protein like grilled chicken breast or salmon.
- To make this salad even heartier, top it with a protein like grilled chicken breast or salmon.
Nutrition Information
Serving
0g
Calories
291kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
34g
(11%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
14g
(22%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
8g
Cholesterol
3mg
(1%)
Sodium
57mg
(2%)
Potassium
429mg
(12%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
1544IU
(31%)
Vitamin C
26mg
(29%)
Calcium
68mg
(7%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 291
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0g | |
| Calories | 291kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 57mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 429mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1544IU | 31% |
| Vitamin C | 26mg | 29% |
| Calcium | 68mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.