Ready to add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your lunch routine? Strawberry Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and wholesome dish that combines fluffy quinoa with juicy strawberries, crisp greens, and a zesty homemade dressing. The result is a texture-rich salad that is both vibrant and stunning.
I am always on the hunt for that perfect, feel-good meal that not only satisfies my taste buds but also adds a little sparkle to my meal rotation. This Strawberry Quinoa Salad does just that.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Quinoa and strawberries? Together?"
You've got to trust me on this one. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen (with a fair share of hits and misses, let's be real), I decided to give this unlikely combo a whirl. And oh boy, am I glad I did! This dish is a game-changer, friends.
Not only is it visually stunning, but it's also packed with nutrients that'll keep you feeling great.
Whether you're prepping for a family dinner on the porch or looking to impress at your next potluck, this Strawberry Quinoa Salad is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- Cooked Quinoa: To make this recipe, you'll need to start with cooked quinoa. You can cook it on the stovetop, Instant Pot, or in a rice cooker.
- Strawberries: If you can't find strawberries, blueberries or thinly sliced apples both work well in this recipe.
- Arugula: Peppery arugula adds depth and contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries. If it's too spicy for the little ones, baby spinach is milder and works well.
- Goat Cheese: The creamy, tangy goat cheese brings everything together. Vegan goat cheese or even a sprinkle of almond feta can play the part wonderfully.
- Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds): Sunflower seeds or chopped almonds are both great alternatives.
- Dijon Mustard: Whole grain mustard could also be used.
- Honey: Feel free to use your favorite sweetener here. Maple syrup, sugar, or a sugar alternative like allulose all work here.
- Lime Juice & Fresh Orange Juice: You could use lemon juice, but I prefer the sweetness of the orange juice in this dressing.
- Garlic: In a pinch, a whisper of garlic powder can work.
- Sea Salt, Fresh Ground Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amounts to your personal preference, and feel free to omit the cayenne pepper if you don't like heat.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is the time to bring out your best tasting olive oil.
Tips and Tricks
- Quinoa Quirks: Rinse your quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. You'll want to use a fine mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear.
- Arugula Alternatives: Not everyone's a fan of arugula's bold flavor, and that's okay! Baby spinach or mixed greens also work in this recipe.
- Cheese Choices: While goat cheese is the creamy dream in this recipe, feel free to get creative. Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan also work well.
- Pepita Power: Toast your pepitas (pumpkin seeds) in a dry skillet for a few minutes before sprinkling them over the salad. This little step adds an incredible depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch that'll have you reaching for more.
- Make-Ahead Magic: If you're planning ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad just before serving. This keeps everything vibrant and prevents the arugula from wilting under the spotlight.
- Watching Calories and Fat? Do This!: For lower calories and fat, use chia gel in place of the oil in the dressing. To do this combine ¼ cup water with 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. Stir and allow to sit for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Fluffy Quinoa Ahead: When cooking quinoa for a salad, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool. this prevents it from getting mushy and helps create that perfect fluffy texture.
More Quinoa Salad Recipes to Try
- Southwestern Quinoa Salad: This vibrant bowl of bliss is like a hug from the Southwest itself. It's bursting with the flavors of black beans, corn, and a zesty lime kick.
- Thai Quinoa Salad: Every bite of this salad, with its crunchy veggies, sweet fruit, and punchy dressing, is a mini adventure for your palate.
- Balsamic Quinoa Salad: Sometimes, it's the simple things in life that bring the most joy, like this classic salad with a balsamic twist.
- Pomegranate Quinoa Salad: This refreshing salad combines the nuttiness of quinoa with the burst of juicy pomegranate seeds, making it a true treat for any day.
Strawberry Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup strawberries hulled and sliced thin
- 5 ounces arugula
- 4 ounces goat cheese or vegan goat cheese
- ¼ cup pepitas pumpkin seeds
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener of choice
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil or chia gel - see note
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine quinoa, strawberries and arugula.
- Blend mustard, honey, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, salt and peppers in a blender. Add oil in a steady stream and blend for 1 minute.
- Toss salad with dressing and top with goat cheese and pepitas.
John Hartil
What a perfect summer dish!
Anna
This salad looks so delicious! Definitely will be trying out the dressing!
Jade
This was perfect, thanks!