SPRING POWER QUINOA SALAD WITH LEMON-CHIA VINAIGRETTE

Fuel up with this bright, protein-packed salad made for busy days. Perfect as a post-run recovery meal, a lunchbox staple, or a fresh side dish for spring and summer gatherings.

This recipe blog is sponsored by Now Foods. My go-to brand for whole food ingredients. For 20% off any product at nowfoods.com use the code: ELYSE
  

Grab the printable version of this recipe here.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa* 
• 1 bunch kale, washed, dried well, chopped
• 1 heaping cup chopped snap peas, trimmed
• 1 cup thinly sliced radishes 
• ½ cup crumbled feta 
• ½ cup chopped walnuts*, toasted
• Lemon Chia Seed Vinaigrette (recipe below)
• Optional: decorate salad with chopped strawberries

Lemon Chia Seed Vinaigrette
Makes 1 ¼ cups

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil*
1/3 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons chia seeds*
2 tablespoons honey*
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

*Find these ingredients at nowfoods.com

Instructions:

Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and 1½ cups water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed. Transfer to a large bowl to cool completely.

Make the dressing: Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, chia seeds, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper in a glass jar with a lid. Shake vigorously to emulsify.

Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss the quinoa with the kale and veggies, feta and walnuts. Pour dressing over top and toss to combine. Taste and add more dressing or salt and pepper, if needed. Decorate the top with strawberries (when in season), more feta and walnuts.

Chill & serve: Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. Serve cold or at room temp.

Pro Tip: Make sure your veggies are dried well since the dressing adds a lot of liquid to this salad.

Add more protein: Serve with grilled steak or chicken or top with hardboiled eggs and chickpeas.

This dressing will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week. If the oil solidifies, leave out on the counter prior to using.

Why it fuels you:

• Quinoa delivers a complete protein and complex carbs for sustained energy
• Kale provides micronutrients including calcium and iron and is high in fiber
• Walnuts add iron, zinc, healthy fats and protein
• Chia seeds bring omega-3s and extra fiber
• Honey gives a natural flavor boost
• Olive oil provides healthy fats

Grab the printable version of this recipe here.