Looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that will elevate your meal game? Dive into our Spinach Salad with Red Quinoa—a delightful blend of fresh greens, hearty quinoa, and tangy feta that promises to tantalize your taste buds! This easy-to-make salad not only bursts with flavor but also packs a powerful nutritional punch, making it the perfect addition to any lunch or dinner table. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you'll be left wondering how something so delicious can be so simple. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cooked red quinoa
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the red quinoa. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold running water to remove its natural bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the quinoa simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside to cool.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the salad ingredients. Rinse and dry 4 cups of fresh spinach. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
- Next, halve 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the spinach.
- Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion and add it to the salad bowl. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes and then drain them before adding.
- Once the quinoa has cooled, add 1 cup of cooked red quinoa to the salad bowl.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to create the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the spinach salad with red quinoa immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy!
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitterness. This simple step will enhance the flavor of your salad significantly.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest spinach and cherry tomatoes you can find for the best taste and texture. Organic produce often has more vibrant flavors.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other vegetables or toppings you love! Avocado, bell peppers, or nuts can add extra flavor and crunch.
- Dressing Variations: Experiment with different dressings! Try adding lemon juice or a dash of mustard to the balsamic vinaigrette for a zesty twist.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the quinoa and chop the vegetables in advance. Just combine everything and add the dressing right before serving for the freshest taste.
- Chill for Flavor: If you have time, let the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes after tossing it with the dressing. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
