Delicious yet low in calories, this quinoa spinach salad is perfect for hot summer months when you need a refreshing snack packed with nutrients. It’s super easy to make and good the next day if kept in the fridge, so you can prepare it one day in advance and take it to work or school the next day. I even served it to some of my hardcore carnivore friends who are anti-spinach, and they loved it.

Mixing Fruits in Your Salad = Nutritional Powerhouse

By adding seasonal fruits to your salads, you can create a delicious and nutritious dish that is both satisfying and visually appealing. Fruits can add color, texture, sweetness, and acidity to your salad. For vegetarian salads, fruits pair well with white cheese, such as goat cheese and feta, while for vegan options, you can choose tofu. My favorite summer quinoa salad with fruit is definitely quinoa nectarine salad, as it both looks and tastes amazing. Fresh, ripe nectarines enrich this quinoa and spinach salad with a vibrant orange color and a beautiful, almost perfumed smell that pairs perfectly with fresh basil – my secret ingredient.

How to Make the Perfect Quinoa

When making a quinoa-based salad, you don’t want your quinoa overcooked and mushy. You want it fluffy and slightly crunchy, similar to how you would like your pasta – al dente.

The first time I cooked quinoa, I looked for tips and tricks online, and each recipe I came across claimed to be tried, tested, and true when it came to cooking the perfect quinoa. However, I ended up deviating and playing it by ear, or better yet, my stove. And trust me, the perfect quinoa cooking time and the amount of water you need to add will really solely depend on your stove – whether it’s an induction stove or a gas stove – and, essentially, its strength.

Some recipes say 15-20 minutes for a cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water. Some say 1 ½ and some are in the middle at 1 ¾. None of these ratios quite worked for me, as my gas stove has very strong flame power. Even on the smallest burner and the lowest fire, I always had to add more water, and in my case, cooking quinoa for 20 minutes would be too long. So, let’s say that 1 ¾ cups of water for a cup of quinoa is a good starting point, but you should keep in mind that you may need to add a bit more water at some point, so it’s important to check your quinoa after 10 minutes. The best advice I can give is to always taste what you’re cooking and test the cooking time of your quinoa and the amount of water you need to add until you come to the perfect ratio and cooking time based on your stove.

Should I Toast Quinoa Before Cooking?

Yes, most definitely! To bring out the rich, nutty flavors of quinoa, I always toast it for about 3 minutes before adding water. I also always do this with rice, and it makes a difference. You can skip this step, but trust me, if you don’t, you’ll have a fragrant, crunchy base for your quinoa and spinach salad, and you will extract more flavor from the quinoa.

Quinoa FAQ

How long is uncooked quinoa good for?

Uncooked quinoa can last for 2-3 years when stored properly. It’s important to keep it dry, so storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, is a way to go. If you haven’t used it for a longer time, make sure to inspect the quinoa for signs of pests or spoilage. While quinoa can last beyond its ‘use-by’ or ‘best-before’ date, if you notice any off-putting smells or signs of mold, discard it immediately.

What is a good substitute for quinoa?

If you’re making a gluten-free grain salad but can’t find quinoa, amaranth, millet, and brown rice are good substitutes. If you’re not on a gluten-free diet, then you can opt for couscous.

Can I freeze cooked quinoa?

You can freeze quinoa and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. To defrost, thaw on the counter for a couple of hours or in the fridge overnight. You can also reheat quinoa in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high heat, stirring halfway through.

Do you need to rinse quinoa before cooking?

This is up to you. Most packaged quinoa is pre-rinsed, and for me, the taste is fine as it is, so I usually don’t rinse it. However, rinsing helps remove a bitter-tasting coating called saponin that can be present on the quinoa’s surface. If you prefer to rinse it, place it in a fine-mesh strainer and run cold water over it until the water runs clear.

What is the difference between white and tri-color quinoa?

White and tri-color quinoa are two common variants of quinoa available in the stores. There are no significant differences between them apart from the appearance, slightly chewier texture, and more pronounced nutty flavor of the tri-color quinoa. Salad with each of these variants will be delicious and packed with nutrients. However, the tri-color quinoa will make your salad more visually appealing.