This Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad is a delicious, wholesome dish that uses the best of summer strawberries in a satisfying, vegetarian lunch or a fresh, whole grain side dish! (vegetarian, vegan option)
This post is sponsored by California Strawberry Commission. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Lively Table running!
Based on all of my recipes this summer, y’all know I’m all about the fresh fruit this time of year! I just can’t get enough of it! I love incorporating fresh summer fruit into all of my meals to make them extra fresh and nutritious.
One of my favorite fruits to use in both sweet and savory dishes, especially in the summer, is California Strawberries. They lend a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to any dish, and they take on both sweet and savory flavors so well. Strawberries are also a low-sugar, antioxidant-packed fruit that could help with diabetic management and brain health.
I love how strawberries pair so well with whole grains, herbs, and avocado, so I made this delicious strawberry and avocado quinoa salad to help you get the most out of juicy California Strawberries!
I’ve been loving the flavor of quinoa lately, and it makes the perfect whole grain base for this delicious salad. Fresh California strawberries, creamy avocado and goat cheese, and basil leaves all combine into one super flavorful salad that just tastes like summer in a bowl, though it can be made and enjoyed year round!
Besides tasting amazing, this salad is also loaded with nutrition. One 8-strawberry serving of California strawberries provides 140% of your total daily immune-boosting vitamin C needs – that’s more than an orange! California strawberries also provide antioxidants, potassium, folate, and fiber. Combined with the fiber, folate and potassium from avocado and quinoa, this salad provides tons of heart-healthy nutrients that could help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
You can make this strawberry avocado quinoa salad vegan and dairy-free by leaving out the goat cheese, and you’ll still get creaminess from avocado, but I love the slight tang of goat cheese, so I love it in this salad.
This yummy salad makes a simple and delicious vegetarian lunch, or you can pair it with your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or steak, for a more hearty meal.
Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad
This Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad is a delicious, wholesome dish that uses the best of summer strawberries in a satisfying, vegetarian lunch or a fresh, whole grain side dish! (vegetarian, vegan option)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: side dish, lunch
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable stock
- 1/2 lb California Strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled*
- 2 tbsp blush wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- Pinch sea salt
- Pinch freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- .Add quinoa and water or stock to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, then lower heat and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let quinoa cool completely.
- Add cooled quinoa to a large bowl with sliced California Strawberries, diced avocado, basil leaves, and crumbled goat cheese.
- In a small bowl, whish together remaining ingredients (vinegar through pepper). Pour over quinoa salad. Gently toss to coat. Serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
*omit goat cheese for vegan
Keywords: salads, side dish, quinoa, avocado, strawberry
For even more ways to get your #8ADay, try some of these delicious recipes that include California Strawberries:
Strawberry Peach Burrata Salad
Strawberry Chocolate Smoothie Bowl
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