Description
A fresh and vibrant crispy quinoa spring salad featuring crunchy toasted quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a bright lemon dressing for a light yet satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for crisping)
- 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or mint), chopped
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa and place it in a saucepan with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Let the quinoa cool slightly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Spread the cooked quinoa in an even layer and cook undisturbed for a few minutes until golden and crispy, then stir occasionally until evenly toasted.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, radishes, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the crispy quinoa, feta cheese, and fresh herbs to the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Notes
- Cook quinoa ahead of time to save preparation time.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when crisping quinoa for best texture.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Include nuts or seeds for additional crunch.
- Swap feta with goat cheese or omit for dairy-free option.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping dressing separate if possible.
- Warm quinoa slightly before serving for contrast if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
