Berry Bliss Quinoa Salad
Table of Contents
Berry Bliss Quinoa Salad: Your Next Summer Obsession
Fancy a salad that’s both good for you and tastes amazing? Ever wonder how to make summer last a bit longer? I reckon the Berry quinoa salad might just be your answer.
It's like a burst of sunshine in every bite.
Why This Quinoa Salad Recipe Rocks
This salad isn't just some rabbit food. It’s a proper meal. This quinoa salad with berries is packed with flavour and goodness.
Think of it as a Mediterranean dream meets British summer berries.
It's dead easy to make, too. It takes about 10 minutes prep time. Plus, it's ready in about 10 minutes.
This easy quinoa salad makes about 4 servings. It's ideal for a light lunch or even a picnic.
Healthy Summer Salad Goodness
One of the best bits? Quinoa is a complete protein. That means it’s super good for you. The berries bring antioxidants.
Honestly, it’s a win-win situation. The fresh berry salad is perfect for hot summer days. This is a gluten-free salad recipe , too!
This summer salad recipe is perfect for bringing to a BBQ or a potluck. It’s a showstopper. People will be asking you for the recipe.
Trust me on this one. This berry quinoa salad is really special. It combines sweet, tangy, and salty elements for a perfect bite.
It's great for quinoa salad meal prep .
Ready to find out what goes into this delicious dish? Let's look at what you need for a berry salad dressing , next.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, let’s chat about what you need. We're making Berry quinoa salad . This quinoa salad recipe is super easy.
Honestly, it's one of my go-to summer salad recipes . It's colourful and yummy, just like a proper summer should be.
Main Ingredients
For the Berry quinoa salad , you will need:
- Cooked quinoa: 2 cups (475 ml), from about 1 cup (200g) dry quinoa. Make sure it’s fluffy, not mushy.
- Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries: 1 heaping cup (approx. 150g) each. Fresh is best for this fresh berry salad .
- Baby spinach: 1 cup (30g), roughly chopped.
- Fresh basil: ½ cup (10g), chopped.
- Gorgonzola cheese: ½ cup (60g), crumbled. Go easy. It's got a strong flavour.
- Sunflower seeds: ½ cup (55g).
If you're like me, you can prep this quinoa salad meal prep style. Cook the quinoa the night before. It will save you time. The berries must be ripe and smell heavenly.
Seasoning Notes
Here’s the magic for the dressing!
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml), extra virgin.
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). From one lemon, fresh is best, innit?
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (20g). Local honey is lovely.
- Sea salt: Pinch, to taste.
This is a healthy summer salad and simple to prepare. Lemon and honey are classic. I also love adding a little bit of lemon zest to the berry salad dressing .
It makes it extra zingy. Don't be afraid to experiment.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl.
- Whisk.
- Citrus juicer (optional).
- Chopping board.
- Knife.
Nothing too fancy! If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do. I sometimes use a pint glass to measure.
This easy quinoa salad needs no special stuff. It's a gluten-free salad recipe , perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions! It all comes together to make a fantastic quinoa salad with berries .
Berry Bliss Quinoa Salad: A Summer Celebration
Right then, fancy a bit of Berry Bliss Quinoa Salad ? It’s bloomin' marvelous. It's one of my go-to summer salad recipes when I'm craving something fresh and a bit fancy.
Think of it as Wimbledon on a plate! Honestly, it's an easy quinoa salad to whip up.
Prep Like a Pro, Serve Like a Star
The secret is getting your "mise en place" sorted. That's posh for "everything in its place." Chop your basil, crumble that cheese. Makes it a doddle, I promise.
Also, cook your quinoa ahead of time . Save yourself a faff.
step-by-step to Salad Heaven
Here's how to make this quinoa salad recipe , simple as pie:
- Whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, and a pinch of salt.
- Chuck 2 cups cooked quinoa, 1 cup blackberries, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup raspberries, 1 cup spinach, and 0.5 cup basil into a bowl.
- Add 0.5 cup of gorgonzola and 0.5 cup sunflower seeds.
- Pour dressing over the fresh berry salad .
- Gently toss it all together.
Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes if you can. The flavors really meld.
Insider Knowledge from Yours Truly
Want to make this salad even better? Try to find the ripest berries. A mix of sweet and tart ones is the best!
A common mistake is too much cheese. It can overpower the berries. Speaking of meal prep, this quinoa salad meal prep is your best bet. Make it a day ahead.
Recipe Notes for Your Berry Quinoa Salad
So, you're ready to whip up this berry quinoa salad ? Ace! Before you get started, let's talk a bit about making it extra special.
Cooking isn't just about following steps, it's about making it your own.
Fab Serving Suggestions
This berry quinoa salad recipe is seriously versatile! I reckon presentation is key. Try layering it in a glass bowl. It looks proper fancy.
Thinking of sides? Some grilled chicken or salmon would be smashing. A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc always hits the spot too. For a lighter touch, how about a sparkling elderflower pressé?
Clever Storage Tips
Honestly, sometimes I make a double batch just so I have leftovers. This quinoa salad with berries keeps well.
Pop it in an airtight container and it's good in the fridge for up to three days. Freezing isn't ideal because the berries get a bit mushy.
To reheat, just take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before you want to eat it.
Brilliant Variations
Fancy a change? No probs! For a gluten-free salad recipe , you're already winning!
Want a vegan option? Just skip the gorgonzola. A squeeze of extra lemon juice brightens it right up. For a seasonal twist, swap out the berries.
In autumn, apples and cranberries are gorgeous. You can even try adding some toasted pecans.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Alright, let's talk health. This healthy summer salad is packed with goodness.
It's full of fiber, protein, and vitamins. Each serving clocks in around 350-400 calories. Quinoa is a complete protein, the berries are full of antioxidants, and the sunflower seeds add healthy fats.
Basically, it's a guilt free treat. Plus, with quinoa salad meal prep , you can have healthy lunches all week.
Honestly, this berry quinoa salad is dead easy to make. It is one of the best summer salad recipes . It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and it's a great way to get your five-a-day.
Why not give it a go today? You'll love it. And with a good berry salad dressing , the flavor is simply divine! This easy quinoa salad is so good!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Berry quinoa salad ahead of time? Will it get soggy?
Absolutely! In fact, this Berry quinoa salad is even better the next day, a bit like a good stew the flavors really meld together. The quinoa might absorb some of the dressing, so you could add a little extra lemon juice or olive oil just before serving if needed.
Just give it a gentle toss before serving and you're good to go!
I don't have gorgonzola. What else can I use in this Berry quinoa salad?
No worries, mate! If you're not a fan of gorgonzola (or simply haven't got any in the fridge), crumbled feta or goat cheese make fantastic substitutes. They'll provide a similar salty, tangy kick that complements the sweetness of the berries. You could even use a mild cheddar for a more subtle flavor.
What's the best way to store leftover Berry quinoa salad?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The berries might release a little juice as it sits, but that's perfectly fine. Just give it a good stir before serving. It's great for meal prepping or a quick and healthy lunch!
Can I use frozen berries in this Berry quinoa salad?
You can use frozen berries, especially if fresh ones are out of season or a bit pricey. However, keep in mind that frozen berries tend to release more liquid as they thaw, which can make the salad a little wetter.
Thaw them completely and drain off any excess juice before adding them to the salad to avoid a soggy situation. Also, gently fold them into the salad to avoid crushing them.
Is Berry quinoa salad healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
You bet it is! This Berry quinoa salad is packed with goodness. Quinoa is a complete protein and a great source of fiber. The berries are bursting with antioxidants and vitamins, while the spinach and basil provide even more nutrients. Plus, the sunflower seeds contribute healthy fats and a lovely crunch.
It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your health!
I'm allergic to nuts. What can I use instead of sunflower seeds in this Berry quinoa salad?
If nuts aren't your cup of tea or you're dealing with allergies, pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are a brilliant alternative! They have a similar crunchy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that works beautifully. Toasted sesame seeds are another option, giving a slightly different but equally tasty vibe.
You could also add something like puffed quinoa for extra texture!
Berry Bliss Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |