Refreshing salad with strawberries, avocado, quinoa, greens, and zesty dressing. Perfect for a light meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then let cool.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until mixture is emulsified.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, gently combine cooled quinoa, strawberries, avocado, spinach or mixed greens, red onion, basil, and toasted almonds.
05 - Drizzle dressing over assembled ingredients and lightly toss until evenly coated.
06 - Top with crumbled feta cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
