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This strawberry goat cheese quinoa salad is the perfect addition to your summer menu. You’re going to love how light and flavorful this dish tastes!
During the summer I eat so much salad it’s not even funny.
Normally I just take a giant bowl of lettuce, throw on some leftover vegetables and then top it all with a fried egg.
Sweet Baby J, I could eat a fried egg on top of almost anything and it would make me the happiest lady in all the land.
My dad is grossed about by this but he is totally wrong.
Fried eggs make the world a happy place.
Am I right?
Speaking of happy places.
Normally I would consider the grocery store my happy place.
Sometimes I get frustrated while shopping but for the most part, I can run in, find exactly what I need, and check out.
It’s calming to me to know everything will always be in its place.
This salad is filled with peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, hearty quinoa, and sweet summer strawberries and topped with crunchy sprouted grains.
The dressing could not be simpler and it’s super smooth since I whipped it up in my Vitamix
.
Summer is my time to be smitten with berries. How can you not love them this time of the year?
Strawberry Goat Cheese Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
For salad:
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup cooked tricolored quinoa
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, depending on love of mint
- 1/4 cup crunchy sprouted grains
Instructions
For salad:
- In a large bowl gently mix together all ingredients.
- Gently toss with dressing just until the salad is moistened. You can also serve the dressing on the side if desired.
For dressing:
- In a blender add strawberries, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Blend on high until smooth. If the dressing is too thick simply add a bit more oil.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
You had me at goat cheese, but then I saw these beautiful photographs and I was in awe- beautiful salad. I’m not sure I’d want to eat it, too pretty!
I can’t get over how pretty this salad is! Oh and that dressing, please just give me a glass of it!
sometimes i like goat cheese a lot, especially in salads, but not if it’s too goaty. i love the colors and textures in this, brandy–it’s marvelous!
Those B’s! Ugh they sound terrible. Don’t even waste any more time thinking about them! Just shove this salad in your face and all shall be well.
Hearing your grocery parking lot story made me feel a whole lot better. I was just in an accident today, which was totally not my fault, but by the letter of the law it was. Anyway, I turned to pinterest to cheer me up and found your yummy recipe. I will be face planting into this salad this week. Thank you.
Hi Denita! So sorry to hear about your accident. There is nothing worse than all the emotions after an accident. I hope your week turns around for the better and you enjoy the salad!
Hi, where do you buy crunchy sprouted grains? I have seen sprouted grains listed on cereals and breads, but have not seen them like this. Thanks!
Hi Alice! I found my crunchy sprouted grains right in my local grocery store – near where you would find sprouts. If you can’t find them you could substitute alfalfa sprouts (would not be as crunchy), sunflower seeds (lots of great crunch) or just throw them both on there. I use them more for the added nutrition and crunch than for flavor. However, the salad won’t suffer in flavor department if you leave them off.
Thanks! I made the salad today for my bible study group and it was a hit. I could not find the thyme apricot goat cheese you used (which sounds yummy) but used cranberry tarragon goat cheese instead. I also found the sprouted grains. I liked them. Thanks!!
Hi Alice! Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know you tried the salad! It’s such a hit around our house because it’s so simple but packed with so much flavor. I have tried that cranberry tarragon goat cheese before and I agree it’s amazing! I really like it sprinkled over pork 🙂
I made this for my family with a few adjustments. I didn’t have the greens asked for so I used baby spinach. My family LOVED this! I have 3 teenage girls and a picky hubby and they all asked for it again! I am only saddened I waited for the end of the strawberry season to try this for the first time! I am going to try using blueberries and see how we like it!
Thank you for this fantastic new family favorite!
I’m so happy your family enjoyed the salad! I would love to hear how the blueberry idea turns out 🙂
I made this and swapped the sprouts for crunchy green onions and added candied pepitos! YUM! https://loveandlightkitchen.wordpress.com/2014/08/20/strawberry-quinoa-salad/
Oh my…. This is Stunningly delicious….