Best 18 Quinoa Spinach Salad Recipes

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Quinoa spinach salad is a vibrant, healthy, and versatile dish that offers a multitude of flavors and textures. With its combination of protein-packed quinoa, tender baby spinach leaves, and a variety of other fresh ingredients, this salad is a delightful meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Whether you prefer a simple vinaigrette dressing or something more elaborate, there are endless possibilities for customizing this dish to suit your taste preferences.

Here are our top 18 tried and tested recipes!

WARM QUINOA, SPINACH, AND SHIITAKE SALAD



Warm Quinoa, Spinach, and Shiitake Salad image

The quinoa adds protein as well as a chewy texture to this meatless main dish. The heat of the cooked quinoa and mushrooms helps wilt the spinach; the dressing and feta pull this warm salad together.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup red-wine vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 pounds fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps halved
1 1/2 cups quinoa
1 pound baby spinach
8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • Heat broiler; set rack 4 inches from heat. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • On a large rimmed broiler-proof baking sheet, toss mushrooms with half the dressing (reserve the rest); broil, tossing occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and mushrooms are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine quinoa, 3 cups water, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cover, and simmer until liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Place spinach in a large bowl; add hot mushrooms, quinoa, and reserved dressing. Toss to combine (spinach will wilt slightly). Top with crumbled feta, and serve immediately.

QUINOA WILTED SPINACH SALAD



Quinoa Wilted Spinach Salad image

Get all the nutritious benefits of quinoa, spinach and cranberries paired with the crunchy texture of nuts in this easy and scrumptious salad. A light, flavorful dressing splashed with citrus tops everything off! -Sharon Ricci, Mendon, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach, torn
1/2 cup dried cranberries
DRESSING:
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 green onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from the heat; fluff with a fork., In a large bowl, combine the warm quinoa, spinach and cranberries. For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk the oil, orange juice, vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir in onion. Pour over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with pecans.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 171 calories, Fat 9g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 136mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

SPINACH, TOMATO, AND FETA QUINOA SALAD



Spinach, Tomato, and Feta Quinoa Salad image

A quick and healthy side dish alternative to rice and pasta. It will make a quinoa-lover out of anyone. Thanks to the salty feta and sweet Campari tomatoes, my kids even like it!

Provided by suzyk

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups water
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1 cup multi-colored quinoa
2 cups roughly chopped spinach
3 tablespoons almond oil
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
3 on-the-vine tomatoes (such as Campari®), diced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese, divided
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring water and bouillon to a boil in a saucepan. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Transfer quinoa to a bowl and cool slightly, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir spinach into quinoa and refrigerate until completely cooled, at least 30 minutes.
  • Whisk almond oil, olive oil, vinegar, thyme, basil, garlic, and salt together in a bowl until dressing is smooth.
  • Stir tomatoes, 1/2 of the feta cheese, and dressing into cooled quinoa until evenly coated; top with remaining feta cheese and ground black pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 387.7 calories, Carbohydrate 34.6 g, Cholesterol 16.8 mg, Fat 23.9 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 10.3 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 446.2 mg, Sugar 3.9 g

QUINOA, SPINACH AND MUSHROOM SALAD



Quinoa, Spinach and Mushroom Salad image

This is almost a classic spinach and mushroom salad, but it's bulked up by the quinoa, which goes very well with the mix and is nicely complemented by the walnuts.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     easy, salads and dressings

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

3/4 cup quinoa
1 1/4 cups water
Salt to taste
1 bag baby spinach, rinsed and dried, or 1/2 bunch spinach, stemmed, washed and dried
6 white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 ounce feta cheese, crumbled (1/4 cup, optional)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, puréed
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup buttermilk
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Place the quinoa in a strainer and rinse several times with cold water. Place in a medium saucepan with 1 1/4 cups water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 15 minutes, until the grains display a threadlike spiral and the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat, remove the lid and place a dish towel over the pan, then return the lid to the pan and let sit for 10 minutes or longer undisturbed. Transfer to a salad bowl and fluff with forks. Allow to cool.
  • Add the spinach, mushrooms, walnuts, parsley and optional cheese to the bowl. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and toss with the salad just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 173, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 18 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 374 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams

SPINACH AND QUINOA SALAD WITH DRIED APRICOTS



Spinach and Quinoa Salad with Dried Apricots image

This salad is so, so, SO pretty, and a cool example of how quinoa can play a supporting role in a salad. The play of leafy greens against the quinoa, punctuated by the tart chewiness of the dried apricots, the bite of the onion and the tanginess of the dressing, makes for a very exciting salad.

Provided by Katie Workman

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup quinoa
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 cups roughly chopped baby spinach
1 cup diced dried apricots
1/2 cup slivered red onion
1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, optional
3/4 cup crumbled goat or feta cheese

Steps:

  • Heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the quinoa and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add the broth. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, covered, for 15 to 18 minutes, until all of the water is absorbed.
  • Spread the cooked quinoa out on a rimmed baking sheet to cool. In a small bowl or container, combine the lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
  • In a large serving bowl, mix together the spinach, apricots, onion and parsley if using and toss with the dressing. Lightly toss in the cooled quinoa. Sprinkle with the cheese and serve.

QUINOA, GARBANZO, AND SPINACH SALAD WITH SMOKED PAPRIKA DRESSING



Quinoa, Garbanzo, and Spinach Salad with Smoked Paprika Dressing image

Provided by Bon Appétit Test Kitchen

Categories     Salad     Side     Fourth of July     Picnic     Vegetarian     High Fiber     Dinner     Lunch     Quinoa     Spinach     Chickpea     Family Reunion     Healthy     Paprika     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 cups quinoa (9 to 10 ounces), rinsed, drained
4 cups (packed) baby spinach leaves
2 15- to 16-ounce cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed, drained
1 3/4 cups 1/3-inch cubes unpeeled English hothouse cucumber
1 1-pint container multicolored baby heirloom tomatoes, halved (2 1/2 cups)
1 cup (packed) fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 cups coarsely crumbled feta cheese (about 7 ounces), divided
1/4 cup Sherry wine vinegar
2 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Place quinoa in large saucepan; add enough salted water to cover quinoa by 1 inch. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until quinoa is tender, 15 to 16 minutes. Drain. Chill until cool.
  • Meanwhile, combine spinach leaves, garbanzos, cubed cucumber, halved tomatoes, mint leaves, and half of feta cheese in extra-large bowl. Add cooled quinoa and toss gently to blend.
  • Whisk vinegar and smoked paprika in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle remaining feta over.

MOROCCAN-SPICED LEMON DRESSING AND QUINOA-APRICOT -SPINACH SALAD



Moroccan-Spiced Lemon Dressing and Quinoa-Apricot -Spinach Salad image

This spicy salad with little jewels of dried apricot in the mix would be welcome at lunch or a simple weekday dinner. You can prepare the salad and dressing ahead of time. The dressing is inspired by the flavors of North Africa and is good drizzled on mixed green salads as well as grain salads. From From EatingWell magazine, Summer 2003, and The EatingWell Healthy in a Hurry Cookbook (2006). Posted for ZWT 6 - North Africa / Middle East Region.

Provided by kitty.rock

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 35m

Yield 4 salads, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
fresh ground pepper, to taste
1 cup quinoa (see Ingredient note)
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dried apricot, coarsely chopped
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup prepared salad dressing, divided (Moroccan-Spiced Lemon Dressing)
1 cup cherry tomatoes or 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, chopped
8 cups Baby Spinach
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted (see Tip)

Steps:

  • TO PREPARE THE DRESSING:.
  • Whisk lemon juice, yogurt, honey, cumin, cinnamon and ginger in a small bowl until blended.
  • Slowly whisk in oil so that the dressing becomes smooth and emulsified.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • TO PREPARE THE SALAD:.
  • Toast quinoa in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until it becomes aromatic and begins to crackle, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a fine sieve and rinse thoroughly.
  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until golden, about 1 minute. Add apricots and the quinoa; continue cooking, stirring often, until the quinoa has dried out and turned light golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add water and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes.
  • Transfer the quinoa to a medium bowl and toss with 1/3 cup of the Moroccan-Spiced Lemon Dressing. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Just before serving, add tomatoes and onion to the quinoa; toss to coat. Toss spinach with the remaining 1/3 cup dressing in a large bowl. Divide the spinach among 4 plates. Mound the quinoa salad on the spinach and sprinkle with almonds.
  • SERVING SIZE = 2 cups spinach with approximately 1 cup quinoa mixture.
  • MAKE AHEAD TIP: Prepare through Step 3. Cover and refrigerate the quinoa and dressing separately for up to 2 days.
  • INGREDIENT NOTE: Quinoa is available in most natural-foods stores and the natural-foods sections of many supermarkets. Toasting this grain before simmering enhances its flavor.
  • TO TOAST NUTS: Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add nuts and cook, stirring, until lightly browned and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 484.7, Fat 25.6, SaturatedFat 4, Cholesterol 24.4, Sodium 672.6, Carbohydrate 57.1, Fiber 6.6, Sugar 17.9, Protein 12

QUINOA, FETA & SPINACH SALAD



Quinoa, Feta & Spinach Salad image

A colourful, easy salad packed full of goodness, and all for under 400 calories. A great accompaniment for fish.

Provided by English_Rose

Categories     Grains

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

7 ounces quinoa
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 pinch salt and pepper
7 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cucumber, chopped
5 ounces spinach, roughly chopped
4 scallions, shredded

Steps:

  • Cook the quinoa according to pack instructions.
  • Drain well then toss with the oil, vinegar, garlic and cumin while still warm and season.
  • Toss through the rest of the ingredients and serve.

STRAWBERRY-QUINOA SPINACH SALAD



Strawberry-Quinoa Spinach Salad image

We make quinoa with spinach and strawberries year-round, but it's most fun when we go to the farmers market to get the season's first berries. -Sarah Johnson, Indianapolis, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
6 cups torn fresh spinach (about 5 ounces)
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1/2 cup reduced-fat red wine vinaigrette
1/4 cup shredded Dubliner or Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 12-15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat; fluff with a fork. Cool slightly., In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, walnuts and quinoa. Drizzle with vinaigrette; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 355 calories, Fat 18g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 444mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 12g protein.

QUINOA, GARBANZO & SPINACH SALAD W/ SMOKED PAPRIKA DRESSING



Quinoa, Garbanzo & Spinach Salad W/ Smoked Paprika Dressing image

I made this very easy, healthy recipe today for lunch from Bon Appetit. This was my first time making quinoa. I will definitely be looking for more recipes. Not only was it tasty, but I loved reading up on all the health benefits. I halved the recipe easily to serve just me (for the next few days) and the only substitution I made was to use grape tomatoes as I could not find baby heirlooms.

Provided by Dr. Jenny

Categories     Spinach

Time 41m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed, drained (9 to 10 oz)
4 cups packed baby spinach leaves
2 (15 -16 ounce) cans garbanzo beans, rinsed, drained
1 3/4 cups unpeeled English cucumbers, cut into 1/3 inch cubes
1 pint multicolored baby heirloom tomato, halved (2 1/2 cups)
1 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 cups coarsely crumbled feta cheese, divided (about 7 oz)
1/4 cup sherry wine vinegar
2 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Place quinoa in large saucepan; add enough salted water to cover quinoa by 1 inch. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until quinoa is tender, 15 to 16 minutes. Drain. Chill until cool.
  • Meanwhile, combine spinach leaves, garbanzos, cubed cucumber, halved tomatoes, mint leaves, and half of feta cheese in extra-large bowl. Add cooled quinoa and toss gently to blend.
  • Whisk vinegar and smoked paprika in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle remaining feta over.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 608.8, Fat 30.6, SaturatedFat 8.6, Cholesterol 33.4, Sodium 866.2, Carbohydrate 66.2, Fiber 11.2, Sugar 3.8, Protein 19.9

QUINOA, SPINACH, PUMPKIN SEED SALAD



Quinoa, Spinach, Pumpkin Seed Salad image

Beautiful color and texture makes me crave this salad. Keeps well for next day lunch, simply add the seeds just before serving. Sunflower seeds may be substituted for the pumpkin. I have cut the balsamic vinegar by half as I found it to be overpowering in the original recipe.

Provided by MtlYogini

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup red quinoa
2 cups spinach, shredded
1 cucumber, sliced
1 tomatoes, cubed
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Place quinoa in a colander and rinse several times rubbing the grains together to remove the bitter outer layer.Place 2 cups of water and quinoa into a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until all water has been absorbed.
  • Place spinach, cucumber and tomato in a salad bowl, pour over the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, mix well.
  • Add the cooked quinoa, mix well.
  • Add the pumpkin seeds just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 393.8, Fat 24.1, SaturatedFat 3.7, Sodium 27.3, Carbohydrate 37.5, Fiber 4.3, Sugar 2.5, Protein 11

WARM QUINOA, SPINACH, AND SHIITAKE SALAD



Warm Quinoa, Spinach, and Shiitake Salad image

Categories     Salad     Broil     Quinoa     Spinach     Simmer     Boil

Yield serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup red-wine vinegar
2/3 cup olive oil
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
2 pounds fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps halved
1 1/2 cups quinoa
1 pound baby spinach
1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese (8 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat the broiler; set a rack 4 inches from the heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • On a large rimmed broiler-proof baking sheet, toss the mushrooms with half the dressing (reserve the rest); broil, tossing occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the quinoa, 3 cups water, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat to medium. Cover, and simmer until the liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Place the spinach in a large bowl; add the hot mushrooms, quinoa, and reserved dressing. Toss to combine (the spinach will wilt slightly). Top with the crumbled feta, and serve immediately.
  • cleaning shiitakes
  • Do not soak shiitakes in water, because they will become spongy. Instead, wipe the caps clean with a damp paper towel after trimming away the stems.

QUINOA SPINACH SALAD



Quinoa Spinach Salad image

This is a great option to a traditional lettuce salad. It is filling and good for you! You can substitute ranch dressing for different dressing of your choice.

Provided by Sunny

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups water
1 cup uncooked quinoa
½ (10 ounce) bag fresh spinach, chopped
6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
¼ cup walnuts, toasted
¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds
1 ¼ cups ranch dressing

Steps:

  • Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover and allow to cool, about 30 minutes.
  • Toss quinoa, spinach, hard-boiled eggs, walnuts, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl until combined. Top with ranch dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300.4 calories, Carbohydrate 14.2 g, Cholesterol 135.3 mg, Fat 23.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 8.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 338.2 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

QUINOA, SPINACH, AND FETA SALAD



QUINOA, SPINACH, AND FETA SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Side     Quick & Easy

Yield serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup quinoa
1 can chicken or vegetable stock
6 oz. baby spinach, chiffonade
1/2 cup feta cheese
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 english cucumber, sliced in thin half-moons
dressing:
juice of 1 lemon and zest
3 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

  • 1. lightly roast quinoa in a skillet until aromatic. 2. bring stock to boil and add quinoa. cook over low heat for 18-20 minutes 3. whisk oil into lemon juice and zest. add salt and pepper to taste. 4. add scallions, cucumber, and spinach to large bowl, toss with dressing. add quinoa while still a bit warm. 5. add crumbled feta cheese and then refrigerate before serving.

SPINACH SALAD WITH RED AND CHIOGGIA BEETS, QUINOA AND WALNUTS



Spinach Salad With Red and Chioggia Beets, Quinoa and Walnuts image

This is one of those salads where the grain enhances texture, adds a nutritional punch, but isn't what the salad is about. It's about beets and spinach. I usually slice beets for salads, or cut them into wedges. Buthere I cut them into very small dice, so the quinoa/beets/walnuts/blue cheese mixture comes together in particularly appealing bites.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     easy, quick, salads and dressings

Time 10m

Yield Serves 6 as a side dish

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove puréed
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, or a blend of olive oil and grapeseed, sunflower or canola oil
2 medium or 4 small beets, preferably a mix of golden and chioggia, roasted, peeled and cut in small dice (preferably smaller than 1/2 inch)
1 cup cooked red quinoa (scant 1/2 cup uncooked)
1 red Belgian endive, thinly sliced crosswise
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (1 1/2 ounces)
2 tablespoons slivered basil or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (scant 1/2 cup)
1 6-ounce bag baby spinach or 6 ounces stemmed, washed bunch spinach
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Make the dressing. Whisk together the vinegars, salt, mustard and garlic. Whisk in the oil(s). Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the beets, quinoa, endive, walnuts, basil or tarragon, and all but 2 tablespoons of the crumbled blue cheese
  • Place the spinach in another bowl and toss with 3 tablespoons of the dressing. Line a platter or a wide bowl with the spinach. Toss the remaining dressing with the beets and quinoa mixture and arrange on top of the spinach. Grind on some pepper and sprinkle the remaining blue cheese on top. Once everyone has gotten a good look at the salad, toss it all together and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 263, UnsaturatedFat 18 grams, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fat 22 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 296 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

QUINOA SPINACH & SHIITAKE SALAD



QUINOA SPINACH & SHIITAKE SALAD image

Categories     Mushroom     Dinner

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups (500 mL) Chicken Broth
1 pkg (225 g) PC Organics Roasted Garlic and Fine Herbs Quinoa
2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil
½ cup (125 mL) thinly sliced shallots
½ cup (125 mL) finely chopped sweet red pepper
6 oz (180 g) shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded and caps thinly sliced
3 tbsp (45 mL) red wine vinegar
1 pkg (142 g) baby spinach
½ tsp (2 mL) salt
¼ tsp (1 mL) freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup (50 mL) crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • In saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in quinoa and contents of seasoning pouch. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. In large nonstick frying pan, heat oil over medium heat; cook shallots and red pepper for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until lightly golden and softened. Stir in mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes or until mushrooms have released their juices and are starting to turn golden. Add vinegar; cook, stirring to bring up browned bits, for 1 minute. Stir in spinach; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or just until wilted. Stir in salt and pepper. Remove from heat. In large bowl, toss quinoa with warm spinach mixture. Serve sprinkled with feta. More recipe ideas are available online at pc.ca. www.newscanada.com

SPINACH-QUINOA SALAD WITH CHERRIES AND ALMONDS



SPINACH-QUINOA SALAD WITH CHERRIES AND ALMONDS image

Categories     Salad     Vegetable     Side     No-Cook     High Fiber

Yield 4-6 people

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 1/2 cups quinoa - soaked or rinsed and drained
2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved or 1 cup dried cherries chopped (I used dried)
2 cups spinach, raw chopped leaves - well washed and dried
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/3 inch dice (1 1/2 cups)
1 15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 small red onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
2 TBS fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)

Steps:

  • -Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread almonds on baking sheet and toast for a few minutes shaking pan occasionally, or until golden brown. Cool. - Bring 3 cups of salted water to a boil in pot over medium-high heat. Stir in quinoa. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer 15 minutes or until all liquid has absorbed. -Remove from heat and cool, covered in pot -Lay 5 or 6 spinach leaves flat on top of one another on cutting board. Roll tightly into cylinder, then slice into slivers. Repeat with remaining spinach -Toss together quinoa almonds, spinach, cherries, cucumber, chickpeas and red onion in large serving bowl. -Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in small bowl. -Pour over salad and toss to coat. -Season with salt and pepper. -Chill 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop then serve (yummy cold too)

QUINOA, FETA & SPINACH SALAD



QUINOA, FETA & SPINACH SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Low Cal

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

100g quinoa
olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove (crushed)
1 tsp ground cumin
100g block feta cheese (crumbled)
1/4 cucumber (chopped)
75g spinach (roughly chopped)
2 spring onions (shredded)

Steps:

  • 1. Cook the quinoa according to pack instructions. Drain well then toss with 2 tbsp oil, vinegar, garlic and cumin while still warm and season. 2. Toss through the rest of the ingredients and serve. 355 kcalories, protein 16.8g, carbohydrate 31.2g, fat 18.9 g, saturated fat 7.2g, fibre 1.2g, salt 2.06g

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients. Fresh spinach, quinoa, and vegetables will give your salad the best flavor and texture.
  • Cook the quinoa properly. Quinoa should be cooked until it is fluffy and tender, but not mushy. Rinse the quinoa well before cooking to remove any bitterness.
  • Don't overdress the salad. A light vinaigrette or lemon-tahini dressing is all you need to enhance the flavors of the salad without overpowering them.
  • Add some crunch. Nuts, seeds, or crispy vegetables like celery or cucumber add a nice textural contrast to the salad.
  • Make it a meal. Add some grilled chicken, tofu, or fish to the salad to make it a complete meal.

Conclusion:

Quinoa spinach salad is a healthy and delicious salad that is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a side dish. It is packed with nutrients and can be easily customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a healthy and satisfying salad, give quinoa spinach salad a try!

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