Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad (Printable)

Juicy strawberries and avocado blend with quinoa for a vibrant, refreshing dish finished with zesty citrus dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Fruits & Vegetables

04 - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
05 - 1 large avocado, diced
06 - 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
07 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

→ Nuts & Seeds

09 - 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pecans, toasted

→ Cheese (optional)

10 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

→ Dressing

11 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
14 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Prepare:

01 - Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer under cold water.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, gently combine cooled quinoa, strawberries, avocado, spinach, red onion, basil, and toasted almonds.
05 - Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
06 - Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nothing beats the surprise crunch and creamy combination in each bite, as if the salad is showing off its textures just for you.
  • This is the kind of dish that instantly elevates a weekday lunch or picnic, often causing friends to ask for seconds before the bowl is even halfway empty.
02 -
  • If you toss salad before quinoa is cool, avocado melts and greens wilt—patience really pays off.
  • Once experimented by skipping basil, and it missed that fresh, herbal sparkle—never again.
03 -
  • Cool quinoa fully before mixing to avoid a soggy salad.
  • A small drop of mustard in the dressing is the secret to keeping it creamy and balanced.
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