Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious? Dive into the delightful world of our Strawberry Quinoa Feta Salad! This colorful salad combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the creaminess of feta cheese, and the fresh zing of mint. Perfect for a light lunch or a stunning side dish at your next gathering, this recipe is not just a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor in every bite. Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the strawberries. Wash and slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries and set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
- After the quinoa has rested, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, add the quinoa to the bowl with the strawberries.
- Next, crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese and add it to the bowl with the quinoa and strawberries.
- Chop 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves and add them to the salad mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to create a dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa, strawberry, feta, and mint mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Once mixed, taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving. Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Quinoa Feta Salad!
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter.
- Cooking Quinoa Perfectly: For fluffy quinoa, ensure you let it simmer on low heat and cover it while it cooks. Letting it rest after cooking is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, consider substituting with other berries like blueberries or raspberries.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, nuts, or even grilled chicken for added protein. This salad is highly versatile!
- Dress It Up: For an extra layer of flavor, let the salad sit with the dressing for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the quinoa and chop the ingredients ahead of time. Just combine everything just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as a light lunch on its own. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
