Happy Sunday! Sundays are my day for prepping lunches for work throughout the week. My criteria for meal prep basically comes down to this: easy, quick and nutritious. One of my favourite go-to meals to prep is a quinoa spinach power salad bursting with tomatoes, cucumbers and raisins, dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. It’s refreshing, it’s colourful, and it’s extremely good for you.
This salad it a fit for all salad. It satisfies almost every diet. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, you name it!! So is that why I call this a power salad? Nope. The reason that this salad is a power salad is because it is packed with so many nutrients you wouldn’t believe.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a super food (or power food). It is a tiny grain that is extremely nutrient dense. It completely stands out from any of the other traditional grains and does not even compare. Although termed a grain, quinoa is gluten-free and is not even part of the same plant family as wheat, oats, barley, or rye.
MY LATEST VIDEOSThere are so many health benefits to quinoa consumption that to list them all would take up this entire blog post! So I will keep it brief. One of the main features of quinoa is its high protein content. It contains all the essential amino acids required and thus serves as a complete protein source. It is also a great source of healthy fats, fiber, B vitamins and other minerals.
Spinach
But quinoa is not the only super food in this salad. That’s right, there is not just one super food, but two!! Spinach is another amazing super food. See my Gomae Spinach Salad post to read about the many health benefits of spinach.
So this salad pretty much makes for a complete meal. And although it is complete in itself, you can consider this a “base” salad. Add any ingredients that you want to it. Some great additions include: avocado, kale and apples. Somehow whatever you add to this works! Just remember that if you are adding lots of ingredients, you may need to increase the quantities of the lemon juice and olive oil in your vinaigrette.
So go ahead and make a big batch. It is so easy to make and it lasts several days in the fridge.
Quinoa Spinach Power Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep Time: 5 mins- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 large salad
Category: Salad
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Pin RecipeDescription
Quinoa Spinach Power Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Take a bite into this refreshing, gluten-free quinoa and spinach salad bursting with colourful tomatoes, cucumbers and raisins.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups spinach, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, rinse the quinoa a few times.
- In a medium saucepan, boil 2 cups of salted water. Add the quinoa and continue to boil for about 10 minutes until the quinoa is tender.
- Drain the quinoa and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, raisins and cooled quinoa.
- In a small bowl, make your lemon vinaigrette. Combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour onto the salad and toss to coat.
- Season to taste with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Anybody have recommendations for an alternative for the lemon vinegarette, for this delicious salad? although I am very fond f lemon my girlfriend is allergic. Any suggestions for a tasty alternative?
Thank you.
I used 1 tablespoon of seasoned rice vinegar
Delicious. Didn’t have lemons but had limes so made lime vinaigrette instead.
I think chopped up,apple would be good in this as well. Will try that the next time.
Thanks Sam, for the great recipe!
Looks UH-mazing!!! I need to try these ASAP… Pinned!
I made a double batch as directed in the recipe but then I added feta cheese crumbles. So delicious, fresh, healthy and satisfying! I will be making it again to bring to a gathering Memorial Day weekend!
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Thanks, Michelle! So glad you liked the recipe 🙂 Have a great Memorial Day!!
This was so yummy! The only thing I swapped out was craisins for the raisins. I have made it twice already. Once for my family where even my picky eaters enjoyed it. Then I made it for a lunch with friends and it was a big hit! Thank you! I am sure I will be making this many more times.
This salad is amazing! Great refreshing flavor. I added blackened chicken on top, but I could see salmon pairing with it as well. It makes a good amount, so I decided to keep the dresssing on the side that way I could use it for multiple meals throughout the week. Thanks for the great recipe! Definitely something I will make again and again.
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Great recipe, simple yet tasty and healthy. I added carrots and shrimp on top of the other ingredients and doubled the recipe I think I might actually get my picky husband to eat it. Great healthy recipe inspiration! Thank you!
Hi there! I am excited to make this! I was wondering– at what temp do you serve this? Room temp, refrigerated or warm?
I serve it at room temperature or refrigerated. 🙂 Let me know how you like it!
I don’t write reviews … So here it goes, do to the fact quinoa is kind of tough to cook or at least for me. I can’t ever get it right! Seeing other reviews I decided to try it and I had a backup plan just in case. It turned out pretty stinkin delicious!!! I cooked some chicken to get some protein in and added a few extra things to the dressing to make it a little sweeter. I also, added grilled asparagus, cucumbers, feta cheese, tomatoes and a little red onion. Will be making again VERY soon if not again tonight. HIGHLY recommend if you’re looking to eat healthy. Lots of different veggies you could add
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AMAZING!! Added a little bit of avocado and mozarella cheese (I’m not really vegan). GREAT
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Great great great!
I love this recipe. The combination with the raisins is delicious!
Thank you so much for giving this idea! 🙂
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This salad looks so delicious ! ???? I love quinoa!
Just made this. It’s fabulous. Reminds me of tabbouli but with quinoa. I removed the raisins and added red onion. Also added a little sliced almonds. Might add garlic next time. A keeper!!
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Very good. Very good flavor and I could eat it all myself! I replaced raisins with craisins and added sliced Almonds. Very Yum! But it is not a large salad… It’s a very small salad. Like 2 person. Made it for a BBQ get together and now I have to remake a whole nother batch to make it sharable size.
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Loved this salad. Used cooked quinoa to save time. Left the raisins out completely. I had to increase the salt and lemon juice a little.
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Thanks for sharing this recipe, Sam. My whole family loved it!
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This is my new favorite salad. My whole family liked it, even the kids! Thanks for the sharing this.
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Hi I was wondering if this recipe would work for a weeks meal prep how long would this stay good for?
I would say it should stay good for 2-3 days. Just give a quick toss.
wondered how it is the next day, or is it best right after being mixed up, look forward to trying it on a retreat this weekend
It still tastes great the next day but it is always better right after being mixed up with the dressing. Just give it a quick toss to liven it up.
Great recipe!
We substituted the cucumber with cauliflower and left out the tomatoes, added fresh garlic, parmesan and roasted sesame seeds. 🙂
Yum!!
Just made it with the idea of the cranberries and LOVED it! So glad to have stumbled across this 🙂
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I’m so happy to hear that, Nicole! I’m so glad you liked the recipe 🙂
I will substitute the raisins for cranberries. Should be amazing!
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Great idea! Cranberries would be the perfect substitute 🙂
I’m honestly not a Quinoa fan, but with spinach, raisins, and lemon dressing, I’d try this.
Thanks, James! Enjoy 🙂
I made this last night and it was so delicious! Thanks so much for the recipe!
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You are most welcome, Annette! I’m so glad you liked it 🙂
This is everything I want on a Sunday – quick, easy, super healthy, and it’s SO pretty, too! Love it!
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Thanks, Valentina! I am glad you like the recipe! 🙂
Yum, I love quinoa and I love spinach! Right up my alley.
That’s great! I’m glad you like the recipe 🙂
We love quinoa! This combination sounds lovely! 🙂
Thanks, Kelly!
This looks just like one of my favorite salads from the Lebanese deli down the street! I can’t wait to whip this up at home. I’ve always wanted to ask for their recipe, but never wanted to be disrespectful. I know this might be a bit different, but either way, I know it has to be delish!
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Thanks, Brooke! I’m glad I could help you find an alternative recipe to the salad you love at the deli 🙂
Absolutely love quinoa and salad as a meal! Have to try this one.
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Looks lovely. Will surely try it sometime soon!
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Thanks, Ityqual! 🙂
You are never gonna guess what I had for lunch today. Yeap, this.
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That’s awesome! I hope you loved it! 🙂
I wonder if I’m the only person that hasn’t tried Quinoa yet. I’ve been seeing a lot of yummy recipes using it but I’m not very confident that it will turn out ok if I made it. Your salad looks really good though.
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I think you are definitely part of a very small group of people who have yet to try quinoa! It’s very easy to make and yours will turn out great! Don’t worry 🙂
I’ve heard of quinoa before but I didn’t realize that it was a protein source. I’ll have to try it in your recipe to see how I like it.
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Let me know how you like it! 🙂
I’ve been looking for quinoa recipes and this one looks amazing love the combination and all the ingredients and easy to make what else can ask for?
Thanks, Amy! 🙂
I definitely have to try more quinoa recipes. I haven’t really tried to use it yet.
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Yes, you really need to try it! 🙂
This sounds like a light and refreshing meal. Not to mention super healthy. I love lemon too.
This looks amazing and full of flavor! Want to try this out!
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Thanks, Ana!
So healthy and yummy. My husband will love it.
Thanks! I’m glad he will enjoy it! 🙂
Looks and sounds delicious.
Thanks, Brian!
I have a bag of quinoa in the cupboard, keep meaning to use it. Love spinach too so this could be my inspiration!
I’m glad I could inspire you! 🙂
I’ve never had a salad like this before. Although, I assume it tastes fantastic! I love vinaigrette that have citrus flavors, they add so much flavor to the salad.
Thanks, Elizabeth! You should give it a try 🙂
Woahhh what a delicious and healthy looking dish. I think this is definitely on my list for diet-food this month. Looks tasty AND healthy!
Thanks, Sarah! This is the perfect diet food because you are cutting out calories yet not cutting out any nutrients 🙂
We have quinoa at least once a week, and I’ve been looking for new ways to use up the leftovers. This sounds perfect!
I need to strive to be more like you and eat this once a week too! I’m glad you like the recipe!
Yum! I am so into Quinoa right now. I will have to add this to my list of recipes to make with it.
That’s great, Doran! Enjoy 🙂
Oh, lucky me! I happen to have some spinach that I need to use up! This is the type of meal I like to take to work for lunch. Delicious ingredients!
Perfect! Sounds like it was meant to be 🙂
I love a good salad. This quinoa and spinach looks amazing/
Thanks, Debbie!
I haven’t tried Quinoa before. But that looks like a recipe I should try.
You should really give quinoa a try 🙂
I remember looking and all I could think of was, yeah, I could totally eat that. However, I remember my first time with quinoa and it wasn’t pretty. I thought it was the weirdest thing but now, its all good for me.
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I’m glad to hear that things turned around for you, Kathy!
This looks amazing and different I must try !!!
Thanks, Laci!
I love spinach in salads. The quinoa makes it so healthy.
Yes, it adds so much protein and nutrients for you!
This sounds like the perfect super food salad I would love to try it could you make a warm version as well?
Yes, you could make a warm version by adding the quinoa when it is still hot.
not really crazy about spinach but I love a lemon vinegrette
If spinach is not for you, you can easily replace it with kale or another leafy green 🙂
The flavor profile of this recipe is right on the money.So good!
Thanks, Carol!
Simply awesome!.. going to try this soon
🙂
I just can’t seem to jump on the quinoa bandwagon. I love a good lemon vinaigrette but you lost me at raisins.
Haha, well you can omit the raisins 🙂
This looks like the perfect lunch! I made mediterranean quinoa bowls for dinner tonight, and have left over quinoa. I even made a lemon vinaigrette… great minds think alike! Lunch for tomorrow is covered.
That’s perfect! It is meant to be 🙂
That sounds absolutely wonderful. I cannot wait to try this.
Thanks! I’m glad you like it!
I must get better about planning lunches and this is right up my street. Adore quinoa and all those bright flavours.
This is totally my type of salad. Love everything about it. I usually keep dried cranberries on hand however, so I may give this recipe a try using the cranberries.
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Yes, give it a try! This will work quite well with the cranberries!
This looks gorgeous! I love the addition of raisins. Yum!
Thanks, Lucy!
I love the name “Power Salad!” This salad totally fits it, so healthy and filling! Quinoa is such a great grain, but I don’t think I’ve ever paired it with spinach. It looks absolutely fantastic and like a perfect lunch to keep you going through the day. 🙂
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Thanks, Tracy! Quinoa and spinach paired together work quite well!
Anything that starts with quinoa and spinach, I’m all over! This looks awesome, filling, and so healthy!
Thanks, Debi!
I absolutely love quinoa salads. This one looks delicious – and so simple to make! Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe!!
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You are most welcome, Brianne!
Definitely a power salad! The lemon vinaigrette sounds lovely. I might add a little chicken to up the protein in this salad too!
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Great idea, chicken would work great in this salad too!
This looks like the perfect meatless monday meal!
It sure does! 🙂
Love the pictures you took. They make a simple side item like salad looks so yummy! I will have to make this soon to clear all the toxic junk food I have been having these days. Haha! Thanks for the share 🙂
Haha, no problem! Glad you like the recipe and pictures 🙂
At first I thought I saw melon!! Lol. This looks like a real power salad for sure. Def pinning!!
Hahaha, that’s funny! Although melon might work in this salad!
Haven’t tried spinach and quinoa yet, but I can imagine already how good this combo would be. Esp with the dash of lemon!
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This has all of my favorite flavors in it! What a delicious looking meal or side – perfection!
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Thanks, Sarah!
I am always looking for new lunch ideas. This one sounds perfect especially with the lemon vinaigrette.
Thanks, Christie! I am glad you like the recipe 🙂
What a beautiful dish, I’m all about healthy food too !!!!!!!!!
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Thanks, Shernell!
saving this. I love your recipes
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Thanks, Heidi!
Do you have the nutrient breakdown for the recipe Quinoa Spinach Power salad with lemon Vinaigretta
Sorry Andrea, I don’t. But there are tons of websites where you can plug in the ingredients and it will provide you with the nutritional information! You could try My Fitness Pal at http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
Utterly delicious – I just adore platefuls of this kind of food; everything nutritious, colourful and interesting to eat. I call this kind of dinner a “plate of smug” lol. I’ll enjoy eating this one!
I am glad you like the recipe! Enjoy 🙂
I’m definitely going to fix this this coming week.
That’s awesome! I hope you enjoy it!
Oh my gosh, this looks so deliciously amazing! I love the idea of the raisins for sweetness and the simple lemon vinaigrette. I’m making this soon 🙂
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Thanks, Renee! I love the extra sweetness from the raisins too! It is perfect for this salad 🙂
This is so up my alley! Looks delicious and like the perfect salad for a main course or lunch! Thanks for the amazing recipe.
Anytime, Jodi! 🙂
always like to find tasty new ways to enjoy quinoa!
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I’m glad that I could help! 🙂
I would love this for lunch every day!!!
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Well, good thing it is so easy to make that you could have it every day! Hehe.. until you get sick of it 🙂
I can’t get enough quinoa! Love the idea of adding apples to this for extra (and healthy) crunch!
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Thanks, Rebekah! I know, I wish I had some apples to have added to it!
This looks like a delicious lunch salad. I absolutely love quinoa and am intrigued with the raisins in this, I will have to give this a try!
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Thanks, Shelby! You have got to give it a try!
This is the perfect antidote to the amount of junk I have been eating lately.
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Haha! I am glad that I could help!
This looks so delicious! Love that you added the raisins. What a great choice!
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Thanks, Anne! 🙂