Vibrant salad packed with strawberries, avocado, quinoa, and fresh citrus dressing for a refreshing, light meal.
# 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
# Directions:
01 - Thoroughly rinse the quinoa under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer.
02 - Combine quinoa, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes or until water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Allow to cool to room temperature.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper until fully emulsified.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, add cooled quinoa, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, baby spinach or mixed greens, thinly sliced red onion, chopped basil, and toasted sliced almonds or pecans.
05 - Drizzle dressing over ingredients and gently toss until all components are evenly coated.
06 - Top with crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
