Quinoa Spinach Power Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Quinoa Spinach Power Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side. Packed with fresh vegetables, tangy lemon dressing, and a hint of sweetness from raisins, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- ½ cup quinoa, uncooked
- 2 cups spinach, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- ½ cup cucumbers, diced
- ¼ cup raisins
- 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the quinoa a few times in a medium mixing bowl. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the quinoa and cook for about 10 minutes, until tender. Drain the quinoa and let it cool.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the lemon vinaigrette.
- Step 3: In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped spinach, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, raisins, and cooled quinoa. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra protein, add toasted nuts or seeds like almonds or pumpkin seeds.
- Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different sweet note.
- Use fresh herbs such as parsley or mint to brighten the flavor even more.
Storage
This quinoa salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. To enjoy, eat cold or bring to room temperature. Avoid adding dressing until ready to serve if you plan to store it longer to keep the ingredients fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked quinoa for this salad?
Yes, using pre-cooked quinoa saves time. Just ensure it is fully cooled before mixing with the other ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. This salad stores well and can be prepared in advance for easy meals throughout the week. Keep the dressing separate if you want to maintain the freshest texture.
PrintQuinoa Spinach Power Salad Recipe
A vibrant and nutritious Quinoa Spinach Power Salad combining tender quinoa with fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweet raisins, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This wholesome salad is perfect as a light meal or a healthy side, offering a delicious balance of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- ½ cup quinoa, uncooked
- 2 cups spinach, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- ½ cup cucumbers, diced
- ¼ cup raisins
Salad Dressing
- 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a medium mixing bowl to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa to the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the quinoa becomes tender. Drain the quinoa and set it aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the lemon vinaigrette: In a small mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk well until the dressing is emulsified and well blended.
- Toss the salad: In a large serving bowl, mix together the finely chopped spinach, diced tomato, diced cucumbers, raisins, and the cooled quinoa. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and add additional salt and pepper if needed to enhance the flavors. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
- How to store: This quinoa salad lasts several days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For added crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Keywords: quinoa salad, spinach salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, lemon vinaigrette, power salad, gluten free salad
