This Crispy Quinoa Spring Salad is the perfect spring time salad. (I made it for brunch last weekend, dinner a few nights ago and probably lunch tomorrow!)
I've recently been making salad dressings in bulk. Depending on the week, I make a different dressing and then use it in just about everything on a daily basis. I've done the Balsamic Vin, Basil Vin, Cilantro Vin... the list just goes on and on. Last week it was all about this Green Goddess dressing and it was PERFECTION on this Quinoa Spring Salad I whipped up after my CSA delivery. There's avocado in the dressing and in the salad because more is more!
And get ready to have your mind blown - crispy quinoa. It's going to be your latest obsession. It's more fried than toasted but it's crispy and it's so freaking good, especially on a Quinoa Spring Salad. It gives it that extra crunch and makes it slightly more filling. Basically a full meal in a salad - just the way I like it!
Crispy Quinoa Spring Salad
Ingredients
Green Goddess Salad Dressing
- 2 scallions roughly chopped (white and light green parts only)
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 to 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 6-8 tablespoon water plus more as needed
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil chopped
- â…“ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 4 tablespoons snipped chives
- 1 clove garlic
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked to taste
For the Salad
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 heads little gem lettuce
- 2 Easter Radishes sliced
- 2 Avocado sliced
- 1 small log goat cheese crumbled
- Fresh basil
- Fresh chives
- Fresh Tarragon
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
For the dressing:
- Combine everything in a food processor or high powered blender and blend until smooth. Add a few extra tablespoons of water if you need to smooth it out.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Use immediately, or store in an airtight refrigerated container for up to 4 days.
For the Salad:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the cooked quinoa and toast for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crunchy. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Arrange the remaining salad ingredients in a large serving bowl. Once the quinoa has cooled, add that to the salad. Drizzle with the dressing and serve.
Delicious! So flavorful and healthy.
Can't wait to try this. Looks delicious!
Crispy Quinoa sounds like the new best thing!!
This salad was a perfect side! Light and refreshing with a perfect little crunch!
I love the bowl you are serving the salad in. Do you mind telling me where you bought it? Or who makes it? 🙂
Best wishes!
it's from my prop stylist! I honestly have no idea - I'm sorry!
Yesssssss! Avocado in everything!!
This looks intriguing. For what it's worth, I use cooked quinoa sometimes to make a dish that's like refried rice but with quinoa taking the place of rice.
Fantastic!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE
Thanks Gaby! Can I cook the quinoa a day ahead and then toast it the day of?
absolutely
The Green Goddess is fantastic on so many things!! This could be lunch and dinner!
How much ahead of time can you toast the quinoa and have it retain the crunch?
i do it the day of!!
How many does this serve and do you have a substitute for little gem lettuce?
6-8 and any kind of lettuce works
Wow, I have never thought of toasting my quinoa before. This will add a sweet little crunch. Yum!
Getting all my ingredients. Will let you know what everyone thinks of it! Can't wait to try it. Sounds fabulous!
A perfect Spring salad!