Strawberry Quinoa Salad with Goat Cheese

Strawberry Quinoa Salad with Goat Cheese! Oh my goodness I just love this salad!! The sweet strawberries, the freshness of lemon zest, and the creamy goat cheese are just a few of the amazing flavors of this salad! This is a gluten free recipe that won’t disappoint. I make this every summer and my family just loves it! I hope you enjoy it too 🙂

Strawberry Quinoa Salad with Goat Cheese

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

20 mins

Total time

25 mins

 

Super healthy and delicious summer salad!

Author: Vixen's Kitchen

Recipe type: Sides, Salads

Cuisine: American

Serves: 8

Ingredients

Salad:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• ⅓ pound bacon, chopped
• 1 cup arugula
• ¼ cup shallots, finely chopped (If you don’t have shallots, red onion works great too!)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup pecans
• 1 pint strawberries, quartered or sliced
• ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing:

• ¼ cup good olive oil
• 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine your rinsed quinoa with two cups of homemade chicken broth or water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
3. While your quinoa is cooking, cook your bacon until crispy. Remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain off the excess grease.
4. Place your pecans on a baking sheet and bake for about 4-6 minutes until aromatic. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!!
5. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and set aside.
6. In a large bowl, add your hot quinoa and the arugula, so the arugula can slightly wilt.
7. Add the dressing, cooked bacon, shallots, parsley, and pecans. Mix well.
8. Gently fold in the strawberries and goat cheese.
9. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t mix ahead of time, as this recipe truly is at it’s best when eaten right away.

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