Spinach Quinoa Salad with Cherries and Almonds
Packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this Spinach Quinoa Salad with Cherries and Almonds is a light yet satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Nutty quinoa forms the hearty base, complemented by tender spinach, sweet-tart cherries, and crunchy toasted almonds. A tangy homemade lemon vinaigrette ties everything together, while optional crumbled goat cheese adds a creamy touch of indulgence. Ready in just 30 minutes, this gluten-free and nutrient-rich salad is ideal for a quick lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a make-ahead meal for gatherings. Elevate your salad game with this irresistible combination of textures and tastes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa
- 2 cups Water
- 4 cups Fresh spinach
- 1 cup Fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 0.5 cup Sliced almonds, toasted
- 0.25 cup Crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water using a fine-mesh sieve.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let the quinoa sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork and let it cool completely.
While the quinoa cools, prepare the lemon vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, fresh spinach, cherries, and toasted almonds. If using goat cheese, sprinkle it over the salad.
Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring the dressing coats the ingredients evenly.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
311 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.1 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g | 21% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 9 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 372 mg | 16% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.9 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 8.8 g | 18% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 114 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 277 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
