May 3, 2017 · 56 Comments

Spinach and Lemon Quinoa Salad

Name: Spinach and Lemon Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 large servings
Ingredients: 2 cups vegetable broth (chicken stock, or water); 1 cup quinoa; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (divided); 2 cups fresh green beans (trimmed into 2 inch pieces); 4 cups fresh spinach; 1 English cucumber (diced into half moons); 1/4 cup roasted red peppers (diced); 1 lemon (juice and zest); 1 tablespoon capers; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon pepper

Dairy-Free· Gluten-Free· Real Food· Salads· Specialty Diets

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Spinach and Lemon Quinoa Salad: A refreshing and light quinoa salad served over spinach with a fresh lemon dressing. This simple dish is the perfect lunch, meatless entree, or compliment to grilled meat. Vegan. Gluten-Free.

Hello Spring! My fingers are crossed that warmer weather is here to stay!

And when welcoming in the warmth and sunshine into my life, my cravings changes from warming soups and comforting casseroles to light and fresh salads and pastas.

However, I still need my protein–with the sun shining and warmer temps, my family is out and about. Whether it is on a hike, a long neighborhood walk, a run around the park, or shooting hoops.

Needless to say, I need quick, filling options to power me through my day and to get me back out into the sunshine (or back to work–but you know which one I am hoping for!)

This quinoa salad comes together in less about 30 minutes, is versatile enough to use whatever produce I have on hand, and is packed full of the nutrients and protein my body needs. If I am REALLY thinking, which I try to do but fail at more times than I would care to mention, I make enough for me to nosh on for lunch all week long. Then whenever I have a few moments, SUNSHINE here I come!

Spinach and Lemon Quiona Bowl

First, let’s say Quiona: kinwa. Now, don’t you feel like you have taken a trip to Central America? No, well, maybe my imagination is a bit more inventive 🙂

Now, get some water or vegetable broth and seasonings that you like–in my case this is garlic and oregano and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Throw in some quinoa and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and allow to cook until quinoa has absorbed the liquid. I threw in some green beans into my quinoa because I had them on hand and it sounded good to me–asparagus would be great as well.

Once the quinoa was cooked, I tossed it with fresh spinach. Feel free to use any lettuce you have lying around. Personally, I like the way spinach wilts when tossed with a warm grain.

Then I added some diced cucumbers and roasted red peppers, because that is what I had and I knew it would compliment the spinach and lemon well. Feel free to use fresh peppers, olives, or cherry tomatoes.

Finally, I drizzled a fresh dressing made with lemon juice, lemon zest, capers and olive oil. And a simple dish is transformed into a watering masterpiece–well, at least something I am ALWAYS happy to be eating!

Here is my old picture–I have updated them recently!

Like I said this dish is EASY and versatile–because that is how I like to roll. Superfood SaladIt is also a filled with superfoods, like this from Go Dairy Free.

4.34 from 3 votes