Quinoa is such a crazy grain. Are you a rice? Are you a pasta? I can use you as cereal? Say what?!
Needless to say my love for quinoa abounds, especially as a vegan who looks for protein from non-animal sources, quinoa is like the little black dress of my cabinets. Dress it up, dress it down. Here, we are accessorizing our staple with shiny sandals and a laid back fancy necklace. It’s a throw it on deal, simple and stunning.
This dish came to be like my favorite outfits, throw it all in and see how it looks (or in this case, tastes), adjust until comfortable and just live in it. I love cooking a big batch of quinoa and using it in a little bit of everything. Only recently have I discovered the magic of quinoa as cereal. How didn’t I know about this by now? Fruit, almond milk, quinoa, done. Full until lunch ( a requirement if you’ve eaten all of your work cubicle snacks) and hardly any work involved. I got lucky and found apricots and strawberries on sale, but feel free to throw in whatever you have on hand.
Throw on a summer dress and throw together this strawberry and spinach quinoa salad friend, it’s patio eating time!
Spring Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- 1 cup spinach (raw)
- 1 cup apricots (sliced)
- 2 cups quinoa cooked
- For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Combine all salad ingredients in large bowl, tossing to combine. Whisk together dressing ingredients and pour over salad, to taste, tossing to coat thoroughly.
- Would also be great with almonds or a handful of toasted walnuts.
Kelly @ Vegan Iowan says
This looks so refreshing! I love throwing things together to create something new and interesting!
The Frosted Vegan says
Absolutley! I love your blog Kelly!
ashley - baker by nature says
I LOVE quinoa salads!!! This Spring version looks divine, lady love!
The Frosted Vegan says
Thank you dear, it’s a new obsession : )
Trisha @ Vignette says
What a simple and lovely salad! I love how versatile quinoa can be! A definite staple for us vegetarians and vegans!
The Frosted Vegan says
Agreed!!
Ari @ Ari's Menu says
I love quinoa and especially in salad form! Looks so light and fresh!
The Frosted Vegan says
Yes!
Lindsay @ VeganYumminess says
What a fun idea! I haven’t made anything with quinoa yet, sadly. I bought some at the store the other day, and I have yet to use it.
The Frosted Vegan says
I always tend to let mine sit, but I’ve discovered it’s so versatile!
Oh My Veggies (@ohmyveggies) says
So light and perfect and spring-y! Love this. 🙂
The Frosted Vegan says
Thank you!
Shruti@Part time chef says
Love the idea of spinach with quinoa. Will try this sometime.
Sophie33 says
ooh yes, please: give me a big bowl right now! 🙂 Yummm!
The Frosted Vegan says
Agreed : )
Christina says
I love quinoa! to the point where sometimes I think I have a quinoa problem….
http://www.olivedoesthecity.com
The Frosted Vegan says
Same here!