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Berry Quinoa Feta Salad – Berry Quinoa Salad
This berry quinoa salad combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with sweet mixed berries, creamy feta cheese, and fresh spinach for a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this vibrant salad delivers both flavor and health benefits in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation that takes only 30 minutes from start to finish
- Packed with protein from quinoa and feta cheese, keeping you satisfied longer
- Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly for various dietary needs
- Beautiful presentation with colorful berries that’s perfect for entertaining
- Versatile recipe that works as a main dish or side salad
Why This Berry Quinoa Salad Recipe Works
The magic of this berry quinoa salad lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The fluffy quinoa provides a substantial base, while fresh berries add natural sweetness and antioxidants. The creamy feta cheese creates a delightful contrast to the tender spinach leaves.
The honey-lemon dressing ties everything together without overpowering the delicate berry flavors. This combination creates a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Berry Quinoa Salad
This recipe stands out because it’s incredibly versatile and forgiving. You can easily customize it with your favorite berries or add extra vegetables for more crunch. The salad tastes even better after sitting for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
It’s also a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weekdays. The quinoa can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making assembly quick and effortless when you’re ready to eat.
What You’ll Need for This Berry Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quinoa | 1 cup (rinsed) | Protein-rich base, provides substance |
| Fresh baby spinach | 2 cups | Leafy green foundation, adds nutrients |
| Mixed berries | 2 cups | Natural sweetness and antioxidants |
| Feta cheese | ½ cup (crumbled) | Creamy texture and tangy flavor |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons | Natural sweetener for dressing |
| Lemon juice | 1 lemon | Bright acidity in dressing |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons | Dressing base, healthy fats |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Seasoning enhancement |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Medium saucepan | Cooking quinoa properly |
| Large mixing bowl | Combining salad ingredients |
| Small bowl | Whisking dressing ingredients |
| Fine mesh strainer | Rinsing quinoa thoroughly |
| Whisk | Emulsifying dressing |
How to Make Berry Quinoa Feta Salad
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Cook Quinoa | Combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Let cool completely. |
| Step 2: Prepare Dressing | Whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined and emulsified. |
| Step 3: Assemble Base | In a large mixing bowl, place fresh spinach as the base. Fluff cooled quinoa with a fork and add it to the bowl. |
| Step 4: Add Toppings | Gently fold in mixed berries and crumbled feta cheese, being careful not to crush the berries. |
| Step 5: Dress and Serve | Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or let sit for a few minutes for flavors to meld. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove the natural bitter coating called saponin
- Let quinoa cool completely before adding to prevent wilting the spinach leaves
- Use a mix of berries for the best flavor and visual appeal – strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work perfectly
- Add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crispness of the spinach
- For meal prep, store components separately and assemble when ready to eat
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips
This berry quinoa salad is best served fresh at room temperature. For an elegant presentation, serve it on chilled plates and garnish with extra berries and a sprinkle of feta. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Consider serving it alongside other fresh dishes like our Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a balanced dinner spread.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may lose some crispness, but the flavors will continue to develop. Always store the dressing separately if preparing in advance.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Berry Quinoa Salad
Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa – this removes the bitter saponin coating that can make your salad taste unpleasant. Also, avoid adding hot quinoa directly to the spinach as it will cause wilting.
Another common mistake is overdressing the salad. Start with less dressing and add more as needed. Too much dressing can make the salad soggy and overpower the delicate berry flavors.
Be gentle when mixing to prevent crushing the berries. Use a light folding motion rather than vigorous stirring to maintain the beautiful appearance of your salad.
You Must Know
- Quinoa doubles in size when cooked, so 1 cup dry quinoa yields about 2 cups cooked
- Fresh berries work best, but frozen berries can be used if thawed and drained properly
- The salad can be made up to 4 hours ahead if stored properly in the refrigerator
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or omitted for a dairy-free version
Tips and Tricks for Berry Quinoa Salad
For extra flavor, toast the quinoa in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before cooking. This adds a nutty depth that complements the berries beautifully.
Try adding toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and healthy fats. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can also elevate the flavor profile significantly.
If you’re serving this at a party, consider doubling the recipe. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and disappears quickly!
Suggestions for Berry Quinoa Salad Variations
Transform this basic recipe by adding diced avocado for creaminess or cucumber for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different cheese options like goat cheese or ricotta for variety.
For a heartier version, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. Seasonal variations work well too – try adding pomegranate seeds in winter or peaches in summer.
For more quinoa inspiration, check out this quinoa salad with dried cherries or this cranberry cilantro quinoa salad.
FAQ for Berry Quinoa Salad
FAQs:
Yes, you can prepare the quinoa up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, assemble the complete salad no more than 4 hours before serving to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work perfectly. You can use any combination you prefer. Frozen berries can be substituted if thawed completely and drained of excess liquid.
Absolutely! Goat cheese, ricotta, or even dairy-free alternatives work well. You can also omit the cheese entirely for a vegan version of this berry quinoa salad.
The salad will keep for up to 2 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The texture may soften slightly, but the flavors will continue to develop.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since quinoa is a gluten-free grain. Just ensure all your ingredients, especially the feta cheese, are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease.
Conclusion
This berry quinoa salad is the perfect combination of healthy and delicious. With its vibrant colors, satisfying texture, and refreshing flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or entertaining guests, this versatile salad delivers every time. The simple ingredients come together to create something truly special that everyone will love.
For more delicious recipes like our Keto Cloud Cake, keep exploring our collection of healthy and satisfying dishes.
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📖 Recipe Card
Berry Quinoa Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. however, assemble the complete salad no more than 4 hours before serving 1x
Description
A nutritious and colorful berry quinoa salad packed with fresh spinach, mixed berries, and feta cheese, dressed with a honey-lemon vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups Fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups Mixed berries
- ½ cup Feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 lemon Lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- To taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook Quinoa – Combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Let cool completely.
- Step 2: Prepare Dressing – Whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined and emulsified.
- Step 3: Assemble Base – In a large mixing bowl, place fresh spinach as the base. Fluff cooled quinoa with a fork and add it to the bowl.
- Step 4: Add Toppings – Gently fold in mixed berries and crumbled feta cheese, being careful not to crush the berries.
- Step 5: Dress and Serve – Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or let sit for a few minutes for flavors to meld.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove the natural bitter coating called saponin
- Let quinoa cool completely before adding to prevent wilting the spinach leaves
- Use a mix of berries for the best flavor and visual appeal – strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work perfectly
- For meal prep, store components separately and assemble when ready to eat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
Keywords: berry quinoa salad, healthy salad, quinoa recipe, berry salad, nutritious meal, gluten-free salad
