Looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that bursts with flavor? Look no further than this Quinoa Spinach Salad with Tomatoes and Feta! Packed with protein-rich quinoa, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome delight for your taste buds. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this healthy masterpiece that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a stunning side dish at your next gathering. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s both satisfying and good for you!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and allow to cool to room temperature.
- While quinoa is cooling, wash and chop the fresh spinach into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold or at room temperature as a light, nutritious meal or side dish.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: Make sure to let the quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking. This step is crucial for achieving that light, fluffy texture.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. The freshness really elevates the salad.
- Customize the Dressing: Feel free to tweak the dressing by adding herbs like dill or parsley for an extra flavor boost, or try balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice for a different twist.
- Let It Chill: Allow the salad to chill for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Make It a Meal: To turn this salad into a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or avocado for extra protein and healthy fats.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
