5-Star Quinoa & Spinach Salad | Tuesday Tastings #9 Recipe

The aroma of a fresh Quinoa & Spinach Salad is enough to make anyone swoon. Imagine the tender, fluffy quinoa mixed with vibrant green spinach, all kissed by the tangy dressing. It’s a dish that sings of health while dancing on your taste buds. For more inspiration, check out this Burrata Caprese Salad recipe.

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I remember the first time I made this salad for a Tuesday Tastings gathering. My friends were skeptical at first, but one bite turned their frowns upside down into smiles of delight. delicious corn salad recipe It was an instant hit!

Sharing the salad with my family brought about cheers and requests for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Quinoa: Choose rinsed, tri-color quinoa for added visual appeal and nutty flavor.
• Fresh Spinach: Look for vibrant green leaves; they should be crisp and free of blemishes.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these little gems provide a pop of color and flavor.
• Cucumber: Use a cool cucumber for crunch; English cucumbers work wonderfully without seeds.
• Red Onion: A small amount adds zing; soak in water to mellow its sharpness if desired.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice enhances the salad’s brightness—don’t skimp on this!
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor and health benefits.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; these basics elevate all the flavors in your salad.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. tasty lettuce wraps. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps recipe.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh sieve. In a medium pot, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.

Cook Until Fluffy: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until all water is absorbed. Fluff gently with a fork when done.

Toss in Fresh Veggies: While quinoa cooks, chop 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cucumber, and half an onion into bite-sized pieces. Toss them together in a large mixing bowl.

Add Spinach and Quinoa: Once quinoa has cooled slightly, add it along with 4 cups baby spinach to the veggie mix. Stir gently until everything is well combined.

Create the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together juice from one lemon, 3 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste until fully blended.

Dress the Salad and Serve: Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to coat evenly. Serve immediately or chill before serving for an even fresher taste.

This delightful Quinoa & Spinach Salad will become your new favorite dish! Enjoy each colorful bite packed with nutrients that make you feel amazing inside! pumpkin bread to enjoy.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking quinoa according to package instructions while sautéing garlic in olive oil. parmesan garlic potatoes Add spinach until wilted, then mix everything together for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add nuts for crunch. A sprinkle of feta can elevate flavor even more!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to maintain texture.

Nothing beats hearing my friends rave about this dish at potlucks; their faces light up when they take their first bite!

FAQ

What can I substitute for quinoa?

Try using bulgur wheat or couscous for a different texture and taste.

How do I store leftover salad?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge to stay fresh.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day before serving for enhanced flavors.

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Quinoa & Spinach Salad

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• Author: recipesnew
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

This vibrant Quinoa & Spinach Salad combines fluffy quinoa, fresh spinach, and colorful veggies, all dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice that everyone will love. With its delightful flavors and easy preparation, this salad will quickly become a favorite at your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup tri-color quinoa
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced (preferably English)
• ½ small red onion, finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh sieve. In a medium pot, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until all water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
4. Once quinoa cools slightly, add it along with the baby spinach to the veggie mix. Stir gently.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until blended.
6. Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to coat evenly. Serve immediately or chill for enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Healthy

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For added crunch, consider incorporating nuts or seeds. Swap out spinach for kale for a different texture. Feta cheese can elevate the flavor profile if desired.