Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad (Print Version)

Juicy strawberries, avocado, and quinoa combine with greens and nuts in a vibrant citrus-tossed salad.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Fruits & Vegetables

04 - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
05 - 1 large avocado, diced
06 - 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
07 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

→ Nuts & Seeds

09 - 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pecans, toasted

→ Cheese (optional)

10 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

→ Dressing

11 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
14 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Recipe Steps:

01 - Place quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold running water.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully emulsified.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, add cooled quinoa, strawberries, avocado, spinach or mixed greens, red onion, basil, and toasted almonds or pecans.
05 - Drizzle dressing over salad ingredients and gently toss to thoroughly combine.
06 - Top with crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sweet strawberries and buttery avocado bring a fresh twist, making the salad taste like summer in every bite.
  • It's satisfyingly filling thanks to the quinoa, but still light enough for when you crave something bright and colorful.
02 -
  • If you try to cut avocado too early, it can turn brown and mushy—wait until right before tossing.
  • Toasting the nuts completely transforms the crunch and flavor, so never skip that step.
03 -
  • Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing, otherwise the greens wilt and the avocado gets soft.
  • A pinch of salt over the strawberries before mixing heightens their sweetness, making the whole salad pop.
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