Looking for a fresh and nutritious dish? This quinoa and spinach salad is not just a recipe – it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s the perfect choice for a light lunch, a side dish, or a meal prep option that keeps well throughout the week.
This salad is a delightful mix of fluffy quinoa, tender spinach, and a zesty dressing that ties everything together. Imagine a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying, with a wonderful balance of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling energized.
Ingredients That Shine
This quinoa and spinach salad features a medley of fresh ingredients that contribute to its nutritious appeal. The main star, quinoa, is not only fluffy but is also a complete protein, making it an excellent choice for a health-conscious meal.
Fresh spinach brings a wealth of vitamins and minerals, while bright cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. Red onion introduces a subtle crunch, and the optional feta cheese brings a creamy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the other components.
Zesty Lemon Dressing
The dressing is a simple yet impactful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This zesty concoction is crucial in enhancing the flavors of the salad, allowing each ingredient to shine.
With just a few whisked together ingredients, this dressing balances the freshness of the vegetables, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor without overwhelming the palate.
Quick and Easy Preparation
Making this salad is a straightforward process, perfect for busy days. Start by cooking the quinoa, which requires minimal time and effort. Simply combine rinsed quinoa with water or vegetable broth, bring to a boil, and let it simmer until fluffy.
While the quinoa cools, you can whip up the dressing and chop the vegetables. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant salad ready to serve, making it an optimal choice for lunch or dinner.
Versatility at Its Best
This quinoa and spinach salad serves well as a light lunch on its own, a side dish at dinner, or as part of meal prep for the week. Its versatility allows it to accompany various proteins, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, to create a more filling meal.
Moreover, it can be customized with seasonal vegetables or herbs, ensuring that it remains an exciting dish, regardless of when it’s served.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
Not only is this salad visually appealing, but it also packs a nutritional punch. Each serving offers a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, providing sustained energy throughout the day.
With approximately 280 calories per serving, it’s a nourishing option that supports a healthy lifestyle while satisfying your taste buds.
Presentation and Enjoyment
To create an inviting presentation, serve the salad in a vibrant bowl, allowing the colors to pop against a rustic wooden table. A fork resting beside the bowl invites diners to dig in and enjoy this delightful dish.
Whether enjoyed alone or as part of a larger meal, this quinoa and spinach salad is sure to impress with its combination of taste, texture, and nutrition. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dish that will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.
The Perfect Quinoa and Spinach Salad Recipe
This quinoa and spinach salad is packed with nutrients, featuring protein-rich quinoa, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. It’s a colorful, healthy dish bursting with flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: If using, sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your fresh quinoa and spinach salad!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 280kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
