Spring is the season for fresh blooms, warmer weather, and of course, delicious spring salads that are packed with nutrients and flavors! Today, we’ve compiled two of our favorite spring salad recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Both salads feature quinoa as a hearty base, and are topped with a variety of fresh fruits and veggies to give you the energy you need to conquer your day.
First up, we have the Berrylicious Quinoa Spring Salad, a colorful and refreshing dish that is sure to impress. To start, rinse and drain one cup of quinoa and add it to a pot with two cups of water. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed. Once cooked, transfer the quinoa to a bowl and let it cool.
For the dressing, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and a tablespoon of honey in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Next, it’s time to assemble the salad! In a separate bowl, combine two cups of mixed greens, a cup of sliced strawberries, a cup of blueberries, and a quarter cup of chopped walnuts. Spoon the cooked quinoa over the top, and drizzle the dressing on top of everything. Finish it off with a tablespoon of crumbled feta cheese and enjoy!
Next up, we have the Spring Quinoa Salad with Sesame-Maple Dressing, a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. For the quinoa, rinse and drain one cup of quinoa and add it to a pot with two cups of water. Bring it to a boil, reduce heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed. Once cooked, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool.
For the dressing, whisk together two tablespoons of sesame oil, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of maple syrup, and a teaspoon of dijon mustard in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
To assemble the salad, combine 4 cups of mixed greens, a cup of asparagus, a cup of cherry tomatoes, and half a cup of crumbled goat cheese in a large bowl. Spoon the cooked quinoa over the top and drizzle the dressing on top of everything. Finish it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and enjoy!
Both of these salad recipes can be easily modified to your liking or dietary restrictions. Whether you’re a fruit lover or a veggie fanatic, these salads are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling energized. Try them out for your next lunch or bring them to your next picnic or BBQ. Your friends and family will surely thank you!
In conclusion, these two spring salad recipes featuring quinoa are a must-try for anyone looking for tasty and healthy meal options. With the arrival of warmer weather, it’s important to fuel our bodies with foods that are packed with nutrients and flavors. These salads are not only delicious, but also easy to make and perfect for on-the-go meals. Don’t hesitate to give them a try and let us know what you think!
