Description
This Warm Quinoa and Spinach Salad is a cozy and nourishing dish blending tender quinoa with freshly wilted spinach, crunchy toasted nuts, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a wholesome side or a light main dish, this salad combines fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients suitable for any season.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ⅓ cup toasted almonds or walnuts, chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional, for sweetness)
Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
- Wilt Spinach: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add the chopped fresh spinach to the hot quinoa. Cover the pan again and let the spinach gently wilt for 2–3 minutes.
- Fluff Mixture: Using a fork, fluff the quinoa and spinach mixture to combine and aerate the texture.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the finely diced red onion, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries (if using) for a mix of flavors and textures.
- Prepare Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, and salt and black pepper to taste until the dressing is emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the quinoa mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve Warm: Serve the salad warm straight away, or chill and enjoy as leftovers.
Notes
- Add feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
- Boost protein by tossing in chickpeas or grilled chicken.
- Makes great leftovers — chilled for lunch the next day.
- Nut-free option: use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of nuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
