Healthy Strawberry Quinoa Salad Recipe for a Fresh Summer Delight

Strawberry Quinoa Salad.

A dish that just screams "SUMMER IN A BOWL!"

It's the ideal mix of fresh, sweet strawberries, protein-rich quinoa, crisp cucumber, and a zesty, homemade dressing that brings everything together. Oh, did I mention feta? It's the secret ingredient that lends a tangy, creamy flavor, while pistachios offer additional crunch for texture.

This Strawberry Quinoa Salad is tasty, gluten-free, and healthful, and it takes only 10 minutes to create. Yes, you read it correctly—ten minutes! That makes it ideal for busy days when you need something fast, healthy, and packed with fresh flavors.

But wait, this salad isn't just for summer! It's also ideal for the spring season when strawberries are fresh and juicy. I promise you'll want to make this one of your go-to meals since it's so amazing. So, let's go right into the specifics and have this nutrient-dense salad on your table!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Quinoa Salad

Before we jump into the ingredients and steps, let me just give you a few reasons why this Strawberry Quinoa Salad recipe is going to steal your heart (and taste buds):

You can have this salad prepped and ready in just 10 minutes. Yep, you can fit this into any busy schedule without a sweat.
With fresh strawberries, quinoa, cucumber, and heart-healthy olive oil, this salad is a nutrient powerhouse. Also, it's naturally gluten-free!
This recipe is ideal if you love prepping your meals ahead. You can make it in advance, store it in the fridge, and have a tasty, ready-to-go lunch or dinner.
Don’t love feta? No problem, leave it out. Want to add more crunch? Toss in more nuts or seeds. This salad is totally adaptable to your preferences.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 cup chopped red onion
5 cherry tomatoes, halved
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/4 cup pistachios (optional)

For the Dressing:

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients to use for making Strawberry Quinoa Salad.

How to Make Strawberry Quinoa Salad?

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Pro tip: Taste as you go! If you like a tangier dressing, add a bit more lemon juice; if you prefer it sweeter, drizzle in a touch more honey.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine your cooked quinoa, strawberries, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and pistachios. Give it a gentle toss to mix all the ingredients evenly.

A bowl with quinoa, strawberries and lettuce in it.

Step 3: Add the Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. You want every bite to be packed with flavor.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Once everything is well mixed, serve the salad immediately, or store it in the fridge for later. This salad tastes even better after it’s chilled for a bit, so don't be afraid to make it ahead of time!

Zulay's Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Quinoa Salad

Make it Vegan: Skip the feta and use maple syrup instead of honey to make this salad 100% plant-based.
Customize Your Nuts: Not a fan of pistachios? Swap them out for almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds for an equally delightful crunch.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the dressing separately if you want to avoid soggy quinoa.
Quinoa Cooking Tip: To cook perfect quinoa every time, use a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover until the water is absorbed (about 15 minutes). Fluff with a fork and let it cool before adding to your salad.

Why Quinoa is a Superb Ingredient

Now, that we've established that quinoa is an excellent ingredient for this dish, let's discuss it briefly. Quinoa is unique among plant-based diets in that it contains all nine necessary amino acids and is also gluten-free. Because of this, it is a great choice for those who are trying to avoid meat but still want a full protein. In addition, it has antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and fiber in plenty.

Quinoa is the ideal grain basis for this salad since its nutty flavor goes well with the strawberries' sweetness.

A bowl of quinoa to use for making Strawberry Quinoa Salad.

The Best Time to Serve Strawberry Quinoa Salad

This Strawberry Quinoa Salad is incredibly versatile. It works wonderfully as a light lunch or dinner, but it's also a fantastic dish to bring to a picnic, barbecue, or potluck. It's fresh, colorful, and crowd-pleasing!

Lunch: Pair this salad with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying midday meal.
Dinner: Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a well-balanced dinner.
Potluck or Picnic: Make it ahead, store it in the fridge, and take it with you! It’s the perfect dish to share at gatherings.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

This Healthy Strawberry Quinoa Salad is everything you need for a refreshing, nutritious meal. With a beautiful mix of sweet strawberries, savory feta, and crunchy pistachios, it’s the best salad to satisfy your cravings for something light yet filling. Also, it’s ready in just 10 minutes, so there’s no excuse not to give it a try!

A Strawberry Quinoa Salad in a heart-shaped bowl.

Did you try this recipe? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a comment below and let us know how it turned out. And if you’re looking for more delicious, easy-to-make recipes, be sure to check out our other healthy favorites.

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