DESCRIPTION OF HARVEST SPICE QUINOA SALAD
Our Harvest Spice Quinoa Salad blends the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the nutty flavour of quinoa and the strong freshness of kale. This colourful salad is elevated with a zesty dressing that marries red and apple cider vinegar for a touch of tanginess, complemented by the natural sweetness of honey and a burst of poppy seeds. It’s a perfect dish to serve as a substantial side or a light main course, suitable for any season but especially delightful during the harvest months.
RECIPE CATEGORY
- Lunch, Dinner, Side
SERVING SIZE
- Serves 4
CUISINE
- American with Mediterranean influences
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
- Bake, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
- Summer, Picnic, Family Reunion, Casual Dinners
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
- Healthy, High Fibre, Vegetarian, Low Fat, Low Sodium
DISH TYPE
- Salad
INGREDIENTS FOR HARVEST SPICE QUINOA SALAD
- Baby spinach leaves 5 to 6 cups.
- Sliced strawberries: 2 cups
- Diced avocado: 1
- Sliced almonds: 1/4 cup
For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Red wine vinegar: 2 Tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 Tbsp
- Honey: 2 Tbsp
- Poppy seeds: 1 Tbsp
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: Approximately 280 per serving
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 5g
PREPARATION FOR HARVEST SPICE QUINOA SALAD
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds in a small bowl. Set aside to let the flavours meld.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the baby spinach with strawberries and almonds. Gently fold in the diced avocado.
- Serve: Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and vibrant.
PREP TIME
- 15 minutes
COOKING TIME
- 0 minutes
TIPS FOR HARVEST SPICE QUINOA SALAD
- To maintain the freshness of the avocado, add it right before serving the salad.
- For added protein, consider topping with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
VARIATIONS
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute almonds with sunflower seeds if allergies are a concern.
- Seasonal Fruit Variations: Swap strawberries for blueberries or sliced peaches, depending on availability and preference.
PREPPING AND STORAGE GUIDE FOR HARVEST SPICE QUINOA SALAD
- The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Assemble the salad fresh to avoid soggy greens.
This delightful salad is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and savoury flavour profile, making it a hit at gatherings or a wholesome addition to your weekly meal rotation.