Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad

Discover the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess with this Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad. Juicy strawberries and smooth avocado combine with fluffy, protein-rich quinoa, all brought together by a bright and tangy citrus dressing. This salad is a vibrant celebration of fresh flavors and textures, ideal for a light lunch or a colorful side dish that will delight your senses.

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With its colorful presentation and refreshing taste, this salad brings a burst of summer to your table any time of year. The combination of toasted almonds adds a delightful crunch, while fresh basil infuses herbal notes that perfectly complement the sweetness of strawberries and the richness of avocado.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 large avocado, diced
• 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.

2. 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 or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.

3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

4. In a large salad bowl, combine cooled quinoa, strawberries, avocado, spinach, red onion, basil, and toasted almonds.

5. Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

6. Top with crumbled feta cheese, if using. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra crunch and texture, sprinkle sunflower or pumpkin seeds on top. If you prefer a different herbal note, try swapping the basil with fresh mint to change up the flavor profile.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also adjust the sweetness of the dressing by using maple syrup instead of honey to suit your taste preferences.

Serviervorschläge

This salad pairs beautifully with a chilled rosé or a citrusy white wine for a light, refreshing meal. It also serves well as a colorful side dish alongside grilled proteins or other summer dishes.

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Enjoy this colorful Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad as a delightful way to nourish your body with wholesome ingredients while indulging in vibrant flavors. Its simplicity and freshness make it an all-time favorite that you can prepare with ease and serve with pride.