Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you feeling unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your lunch game with this mouthwatering Chopped Spinach and Quinoa Goat Cheese Caesar Salad that combines nutrition, flavor, and pure culinary excitement! This isn't just a salad - it's a gourmet experience that will transform the way you think about healthy eating, packed with protein-rich quinoa, creamy goat cheese, and a tantalizing Caesar dressing that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Chop the spinach into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, measure out 1 cup of cooked quinoa. If you haven't cooked the quinoa yet, rinse 1/2 cup of dry quinoa under cold water, then combine it with 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool before adding it to the salad.
- In the same mixing bowl with the chopped spinach, add the cooked quinoa. Then, crumble the goat cheese and sprinkle it over the spinach and quinoa mixture. The creaminess of the goat cheese will add a rich flavor to the salad.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl. Their sweetness will complement the other ingredients beautifully.
- Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad mixture. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust according to your taste preference. Gently toss the salad with tongs or your hands until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as the goat cheese and Caesar dressing may already contain some saltiness.
- Once everything is combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning or dressing as needed. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a bit more Caesar dressing or additional crumbled goat cheese.
- Serve the salad immediately in individual bowls or on a large platter. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Enjoy your Chopped Spinach and Quinoa Goat Cheese Caesar Salad!
Tips
- Quinoa Pro Tip: Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural coating (saponin) which can taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- Spinach Freshness Hack: For the crispiest spinach, wash and dry thoroughly. A salad spinner is your best friend for removing excess moisture.
- Cheese Strategy: Crumble the goat cheese while it's slightly cold for neater, more even pieces that distribute beautifully throughout the salad.
- Dressing Drama: Start with less Caesar dressing and add gradually. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Temperature Trick: Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting the spinach and maintain the salad's fresh texture.
- Meal Prep Magic: This salad can be prepped in advance - just keep the dressing separate until right before serving to maintain optimal crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
