Strawberry Spinach Quinoa Salad (Printable View)

Fresh spinach and strawberries meet fluffy quinoa in a tangy balsamic dressing for a light, satisfying meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Quinoa

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Salad Base

04 - 5 oz baby spinach, washed and dried
05 - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
06 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
08 - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

→ Balsamic Vinaigrette

09 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How to Make:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let cool to room temperature.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
03 - In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, baby spinach, strawberries, and red onion.
04 - Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
05 - Top with crumbled feta cheese if using and toasted almonds. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, which means you can actually make it on a weeknight without stress.
  • The combination of sweet strawberries, peppery spinach, and nutty quinoa feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for just you.
02 -
  • Cool the quinoa completely before tossing with the spinach, or you'll end up with a wilted mess instead of a crisp salad.
  • Add the dressing right before serving unless you're okay with a softer texture the next day; the acidity starts breaking down the greens after a couple of hours.
03 -
  • If you're short on time, buy pre-cooked quinoa packets; your salad will still taste great even if it's not made from scratch.
  • The secret to this salad's appeal is that warm-cold contrast, so don't chill the quinoa longer than it needs to cool—a little residual warmth makes everything taste better together.
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