Enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal with this Spinach Salad with Avocado & Quinoa. Combining tender spinach leaves with creamy avocado and protein-packed quinoa, this salad offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. Topped with a zesty dressing, it’s a healthful and hearty option perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Whether you're seeking a light yet filling dish or a vibrant addition to your menu, this spinach salad delivers on both nutrition and deliciousness, making it a go-to choice for any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves washed and dried
- 1 cup cooked quinoa cooled to room temperature
- 1 ripe avocado peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup toasted almond slices or pumpkin seeds for crunch
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for richness
- 1 tbsp lemon juice for zest
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard for tang
- 1 garlic clove minced, for flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Quinoa: Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Allow it to cool to room temperature before using it in the salad. For extra flavor, cook the quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water.
- Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Secure the lid and shake well or whisk until emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the spinach leaves, cooled quinoa, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese and toasted almond slices or pumpkin seeds.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
- Seasoning: Season the salad lightly before adding the dressing, especially if your feta cheese and dressing are on the saltier side. You can always add more salt and pepper, but you can’t take it away.
- Spinach Selection: Opt for fresh, vibrant spinach leaves. If the stems are thick or tough, remove them for a more tender bite. Baby spinach is a great tender and flavorful option.
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