Imagine a salad so packed with nutrients and flavor that it feels like a culinary superhero landing on your plate! This Superfood Salad with Lightened Up Poppy Seed Dressing isn't just another boring health dish - it's a vibrant, delicious explosion of colors, textures, and incredible health benefits that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. Whether you're a busy professional, a health enthusiast, or someone looking to add more nutrition to your diet, this recipe is your perfect go-to meal that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and quick to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the quinoa. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- While the quinoa is cooking, wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. You can use a salad spinner for best results. Once dry, place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl.
- Next, prepare the blueberries. Rinse them under cold water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Add the blueberries to the bowl with the mixed greens.
- Chop the walnuts into smaller pieces if they are not already chopped. Add the chopped walnuts to the salad bowl.
- Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, add it to the salad bowl with the mixed greens, blueberries, and walnuts.
- Now, prepare the lightened-up poppy seed dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds, 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Finally, crumble 1/4 cup of feta cheese over the top of the salad. Give the salad one last gentle toss to incorporate the feta.
- Serve the superfood salad immediately, or refrigerate for a short time if you prefer it chilled. Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!
Tips
- Quinoa Cooking Hack: Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating and ensure a fluffy, light texture.
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest mixed greens and blueberries possible for maximum flavor and nutritional punch.
- Dressing Pro Tip: Whisk the poppy seed dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-integrated flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: You can prep quinoa and chop ingredients in advance, making this a perfect quick meal for busy days.
- Customization Options: Feel free to swap walnuts with almonds or add other superfoods like chia seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra nutrition.
- Serving Suggestion: For best taste, serve the salad immediately after dressing to maintain the crisp texture of the greens.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
