Get ready to revolutionize your salad game with this stunning Spiralized Beet Quinoa Salad that's not just a feast for your taste buds, but a nutritional masterpiece! Imagine a dish that combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets, the protein-packed goodness of quinoa, and a tantalizing blend of textures that will make your palate dance with joy. This isn't just another salad – it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your healthy eating experience and leave you craving more with every colorful, delicious bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 medium beets, spiralized
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- While the quinoa is cooking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the spiralized beets on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the beets are tender and lightly caramelized.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted beets, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- For the fluffiest quinoa, always rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove the natural saponin coating that can make it taste bitter.
- When spiralizing beets, wear disposable gloves to prevent staining your hands and cutting board.
- Toast the walnuts briefly in a dry skillet before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
- For best flavor development, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to marinate.
- If you don't have a spiralizer, you can also julienne or grate the beets as an alternative preparation method.
- Use fresh, high-quality balsamic vinegar for the dressing to elevate the overall taste of the salad.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
