Have you ever had a salad that was so filling it was like a meal all on its own? That's what this easy Quinoa Salad recipe with Spinach is like, and you could still add some grilled chicken, shrimp or tofu chunks to it for an added protein kick.
I really like eating salads but probably don't do it as much as I should. When I do though, I like them to pack some punch. I remember working as a chef in a hotel many years ago and every meal would leave the kitchen with a lettuce leaf, onion and a tomato slice on the side of the plate, it was more of a garnish, but looking back, it looked really sad.
Now, whenever I have a salad I try to pack in as much flavor as I can. Even the pre-packed versions available at some grocery stores look fantastic.
The salad has come a long way from some chopped up iceberg lettuce and tomato. I think salad producers are listening to the consumer because the choice of prepared leafy greens has grown so much in the past few years.
What's so good about quinoa?
Quinoa has always been a great ingredient for a super-salad. It has huge health benefits such as being packed with vitamins and healthy carbohydrates.
It's also high in protein and makes a great lunch choice to keep those hunger pains away until dinner time. It's so easy to cook and goes well with just about anything.
It's also gluten-free and a great filler making perfect veggie burgers and patties. I buy the tri-color quinoa just because it looks a little more exciting than plain white quinoa, but you can switch this recipe to whatever kind you can find.
This easy quinoa salad recipe is also great for making in bulk and cleaning out your fridge. Cook a big pot of quinoa at the beginning of the week and just dress it as needed.
You can switch to any salad vegetable you like so get adventurous and scour your produce section or farmers market for some tasty add-in's! Roast your favorite veggies, let them cool and mix through the cooked quinoa, So delicious!
Can this salad be served warm?
Good question! I would recommend eating it cold or at room temperature. By heating it up I think you'd lose a lot of the freshness and bite from all of the healthy ingredients.
How long will this quinoa salad last?
Store the salad in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days and only dress the salad when you serve it. By adding all of the dressing at once the salad would be soggy within a day or two.
You can make the salad ahead of time. Cover and store in the fridge adding the dressing just before serving.
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