This summer salad with strawberry, arugula, spinach, and quinoa is a delightful way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of the season. Packed with fresh, nutritious ingredients like juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and protein-rich quinoa, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy.
The combination of peppery arugula, tender spinach, and a tangy lemon-maple dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a complete meal, this salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds and brighten up your table.
If you love this salad, be sure to check out my collection of delicious summer salads and recipes here.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Summer Salad with Strawberry, Arugula, Spinach, and Quinoa is a powerhouse of nutritious ingredients:
- Slivered Almonds: These nuts add a satisfying crunch and are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Using candied almonds or candied pecans can introduce a touch of sweetness to the salad.
- Spinach: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium, spinach provides essential nutrients while being low in calories.
- Arugula: Known for its peppery flavor, arugula is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin K, which is important for bone health.
- Strawberries: These juicy fruits are loaded with vitamin C, manganese, and various antioxidants, making them great for boosting immune health and fighting inflammation.
- Avocado: Avocados are a fantastic source of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, E, and B-6. They add creaminess and help improve heart health.
- Crumbled Feta (Vegan): Vegan feta provides a tangy flavor and is often fortified with calcium and vitamin B12. It can be a great addition for those following a plant-based diet.
- Quinoa: This gluten-free grain is rich in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. It also contains important minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc, making it an excellent base for the salad.
You can view my recipe for Vegan Feta Cheese here, or check out my quick and easy vegan feta recipe here.
Dressing:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A staple of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for heart health.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty flavor and is high in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and enhances iron absorption.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This vinegar adds tanginess and helps with digestion. It’s also known for its antioxidant properties.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a depth of flavor and a touch of spice. Mustard seeds contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Maple Syrup or Vegan Honey: These natural sweeteners add a balanced sweetness and are better options compared to refined sugars. They provide some antioxidants and trace minerals.
- Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance the overall flavor of the dressing.
- Poppy Seeds (Optional): These tiny seeds add a subtle crunch and are a source of fiber, calcium, and magnesium.
Together, these ingredients not only create a delicious and vibrant salad but also offer numerous health benefits, making it a perfect choice for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Helpful Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the salad ingredients.
- Small Bowl or Blender: To prepare the dressing.
- Immersion Blender: Useful for blending the dressing smoothly.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping strawberries, avocado, and other ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.
- Whisk or Fork: For mixing the dressing if not using a blender.
How to Make This Summer Salad Strawberry Arugula Recipe
Cook Quinoa:
- Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. Allow it to cool before adding it to the salad.
Dressing:
- In a small bowl, add olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Blend using a small immersion blender, or add to a small blender.
- Once smooth and thoroughly combined, stir in the poppy seeds and set aside.
Salad Assembly:
- In a very large bowl, add the quinoa, spinach, arugula, avocado, strawberries, almonds, and feta.
- Pour the dressing over the salad right before serving, and toss gently to combine. Serve and enjoy!
Notes:
- Storage: This salad does not keep well overnight. If not eating all at once, store ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble just before eating.
- Greens: Use any preferred greens. Double the amount if using only spinach or arugula. Mixed greens also work well.
- Protein: Add grilled protein like balsamic grilled tofu on top for a complete meal. Garlic toast on the side makes it even more delicious.
- Serving Size: If serving as a meal, it makes 2-3 servings.
Tips & Tricks For This Summer Salad Strawberry Arugula Quinoa Spinach Recipe
- Prep Ahead: Cook quinoa and prepare the dressing in advance for quicker assembly.
- Customize: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, fruits, and cheeses.
- Serving: Wait to add the avocado and dressing until just before serving to keep the salad fresh and vibrant.
- Texture: For added crunch, toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the salad.
FAQ
Yes, goat cheese or regular feta are great substitutes. Although this will no longer make this recipe vegan.
Mixed greens, kale, or romaine lettuce can be used instead of or in addition to spinach and arugula.
The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
It’s best to prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
Strawberry Arugula Spinach Quinoa Salad for Summer
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked and cooled quinoa (about ¾ cup dry quinoa)
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 cups arugula
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1 avocado, cubed
- ½ large red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta (Vegan)
- ½ cup slivered almonds (use candied almonds or candied pecans to make it even more delicious!)
Dressing
- ¼ extra virgin olive oil
- ½ large lemon, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or vegan honey
- salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
Cook Quinoa
- Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. Allow to cool before adding it to the salad.
Dressing
- In a small bowl, add olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dijon, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Blend it up using a small immersion blender, or add it to a small blender.
- Once it is smooth and thoroughly combined, stir in the poppyseeds and set aside.
Salad Assembly
- In a very large bowl, add the quinoa, spinach, arugula, avocado, strawberries, onion, almonds, and feta.
- Pour on the dressing right before you are ready to serve, and toss gently to combine. Serve, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion
This Summer Salad with Strawberry, Arugula, Spinach, and Quinoa is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for warm weather. With its vibrant mix of flavors and textures, it makes a delightful addition to any meal or can stand alone as a light, healthy main course. Customize it to your liking with different greens, nuts, or proteins, and enjoy the burst of summer flavors in every bite.
Wow this salad was so amazing loved all the different textures and crunch from the almonds. I will definitely be making this again. My husband who ussually doesn’t like salads said he would have this again and even would order something like this from a restaurant. So great recipe thanks Essy 😀
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you loved the salad and that it impressed your husband too. The different textures and crunch are definitely key! Happy cooking, and thanks for trying out the recipe! 😊
I tried this salad and it was so delicious. I do recommend that you eat it immediately after you put the dressing on the lettuce can get soggy if it sits out but when it’s fresh, it is absolutely delicious. Must try 10 out of 10.
Thank you for trying the salad! I’m glad you enjoyed it. You’re right about the dressing – it’s best to enjoy it fresh for the perfect crunch. I appreciate your recommendation!
This was such an amazing salad. I had perfectly ripe avocados and my strawberries were super ripe and juicy super fantastic recipe. I will be coming back for this again and again thanks.
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the salad with perfectly ripe avocados and juicy strawberries. It sounds delicious! You’re always welcome back for more recipes.
What is delicious fresh summer salad thank you so much for this one
Thank you!! I’m so happy you loved it 🙂
My husband and I made this salad when we were out at camp and it is phenomenal! It went with the tofu steaks on the barbeque and all the nutrition was included in these two items! It was so amazing! Perfect and highly recommended! It certainly wasn’t difficult to make and we used the leftovers the next night and it tasted fine. I just used spinach because I had a lot of it, but everything else was as the recipe was laid out! Thank you again Essy!🩷
I’m so happy you tried the summer salad and I’m so happy you loved it!! It’s one of our favourites as well. And yes you can use just spinach or just arugula if needed and it will still be so delicious!! Thank you SO much for this review 🙂
New fav salad!!! Perfect for the summer! 🌱 ☀️ 🥗 💜
Thank you so much!! I’m so happy you loved it! 🙂
This salad was so good. I absolutely love the dressing perfect for the summer actually, I’m gonna eat this year around so perfect for your round L O L. Thank you essy cooks 🩵
I love that this made it into your year round rotation!!! Now I want to make this again even though it’s getting cooler out haha thank you so much for your review!
Best salad I have probably ever eaten! This reminds me of one I would get at a fancy restaurant
oh wow thank you so so much for your kind words!! I’m so happy you loved this salaad!