Description
The Strawberry Basil Quinoa Salad with Goat Cheese is a delightful, healthy, and versatile salad made from cooked quinoa, fresh strawberries, and basil, topped with crumbled goat cheese and a tangy lemon-honey vinaigrette. It’s an ideal dish for warm weather, offering a balance of flavors and textures that make it perfect for any occasion. This salad combines protein-rich quinoa, fiber from the strawberries and basil, healthy fats from the nuts and olive oil, and the richness of goat cheese, making it a wholesome option for anyone looking to indulge in something light yet satisfying.
Ingredients
🥬 For the Salad:
1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
3–4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
🍋 For the Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette:
3 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the quinoa:
Rinse quinoa under cold water.
In a medium pot, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Simmer 15–18 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.
Prepare the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, strawberries, basil, red onion, and nuts.
Pour over the lemon-honey vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
Add goat cheese:
Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese on top just before serving for a creamy, tangy finish.
Notes
This vibrant salad combines sweet strawberries, fragrant basil, and creamy goat cheese for a refreshing and light meal. Perfect for brunch, picnics, or a healthy lunch. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling & Tossing
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
Keywords: Quinoa Salad with Strawberries and Basil, Basil Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad, Fresh Berry Quinoa Dish