Merken Experience the perfect blend of seasonal flavors with this Strawberry Spinach Quinoa Salad with Balsamic. This vibrant dish brings together the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries, the earthy tenderness of baby spinach, and the satisfying texture of protein-rich quinoa. Dressed in a zesty, homemade balsamic vinaigrette, it offers a refreshing Modern American culinary experience that is both nourishing and easy to prepare.
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Whether you are serving this as a light lunch or a colorful side dish for a weekend gathering, its versatility makes it a standout choice. The combination of ingredients provides a delightful crunch from toasted almonds and a creamy finish from feta, ensuring every bite is a multi-textured delight.
Ingredients
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- Quinoa: 1 cup rinsed quinoa, 2 cups water, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Salad Base: 5 oz baby spinach, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional), 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble the Base
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, baby spinach, strawberries, and red onion.
- Dress and Toss
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad components and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Add Toppings
- Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and toasted almonds.
- Final Serve
- Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before enjoying.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the freshest results, make sure your baby spinach is thoroughly washed and dried before assembly. Using a salad spinner can help remove excess water, preventing the salad from becoming soggy. Additionally, allow the quinoa to cool completely before mixing it with the greens to keep the spinach crisp and vibrant.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free almond-based cheese. If you're looking for extra protein, this salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a handful of chickpeas. You can also customize the crunch by swapping sliced almonds for toasted walnuts or pecans depending on your preference.
Serviervorschläge
This Strawberry Spinach Quinoa Salad is best served fresh to maintain the optimal texture of the ingredients. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. For the best presentation, wait to add the feta and almonds until just before serving.
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With its striking colors and nutritious profile, this salad is more than just a meal—it's a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy the harmony of sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic in every bite!
Rezept-Fragen & Antworten
- → Wie lange bleibt der Salat frisch?
Am besten schmeckt der Salat frisch zubereitet. In einem luftdichten Behälter im Kühlschrank hält er sich bis zu 24 Stunden, wobei das Dressing kurz vor dem Servieren erneut hinzugefügt werden sollte, um das Welken des Spinats zu vermeiden.
- → Kann ich den Salat vegan zubereiten?
Ja, einfach den Feta-Käse weglassen oder durch einen pflanzlichen Käseersatz ersetzen. Honig kann durch Ahornsirup ersetzt werden, um das Dressing vollständig vegan zu gestalten.
- → Welche Alternativen zu Mandeln eignen sich?
Walnüsse, Pekannüsse oder Sonnenblumenkerne funktionieren hervorragend als crunchige Alternative. Für eine nussfreie Version können Pumpkin Seeds oder Kürbiskerne verwendet werden.
- → Wie lässt sich der Proteingehalt erhöhen?
Gegrillte Hähnchenbrust, gebratene Tofuwürfel, Kichererbsen oder schwarze Bohnen sind hervorragende Ergänzungen für zusätzlichen Proteingehalt und sättigende Wirkung.
- → Kann ich Quinoa durch anderes Getreide ersetzen?
Couscous, Bulgur oder Hirse sind geeignete Alternativen mit ähnlicher Kochzeit. Für eine Low-Carb-Variante kann Blumenkohlreis verwendet werden, der die gleiche Textur mit deutlich weniger Kohlenhydraten bietet.
- → Welche saisonalen Variationen sind möglich?
Im Herbst können die Erdbeeren durch Äpfel oder Birnen ersetzt werden. Winterliche Varianten funktionieren gut mit Granatapfelkernen oder gerösteten Kürbisstücken, während im Sommer Pfirsiche oder Nektarinen delightful Alternativen bieten.
