Quinoa Salad with Spinach & Onions – Gluten Free, Vegan & Paleo Friendly
Disclosure: The recipe provided here was part of a sponsored collaboration with ALDI USA. I was not compensated for this post, but for the link included to the recipe demo below. As always, I only partner with brands that I love and can be found in the Shaw Kitchen.
Ever wake up and think- I NEED A REBOOT!
Friends, today is that day for me.
I’ve been needing to reset my patterns and focus on more quality nutrition than quick fix meals.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my Hummus Quesadilla, but there’s only so many days in a row I can have that until I need to let the greens back into my life.
Enter- this Quinoa Salad with Spinach & Onions!
This recipe is not only made in a flash, but it’s also great hot or cold, making leftovers the perfect lunch for work!
Bonus, quinoa not only is a complete protein, but it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals too!
In just 1 cup of cooked quinoa, you get:
- Protein: 8 grams.
- Fiber: 5 grams.
- Manganese: 58% of the RDA.
- Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.
- Phosphorus: 28% of the RDA.
- Folate: 19% of the RDA.
- Copper: 18% of the RDA.
- Iron: 15% of the RDA.
- Zinc: 13% of the RDA.
- Potassium: 9% of the RDA.
- Over 10% of the RDA for vitamins B1, B2 and B6.
- Small amounts of calcium, B3 (niacin) and vitamin E.
So, it’s settled, quinoa is AMAZING!
Pinky promise, you won’t be disappointed!
Quinoa Salad with Spinach
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 large red onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 lemon zested and juiced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries optional
- 1/4 cup pepitas optional
- 1/2 cup cooked and chopped chicken optional
- 1/3 cup chopped parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package directions, set aside.
- Heat oil in large skillet over high heat and sauté onions and continue cooking until caramelized. Add in garlic and cook remaining 30 seconds. Stir in spinach and black pepper, toss to combine and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir onion mixture into quinoa, season salt and lemon juice to taste. Add in the cranberries and pepitas.
- Sprinkle with lemon zest and parsley before serving.
I’d love to hear what you think about this recipe! Did you make it!? Comment below and tag me (@shawsimpleswaps) on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. I’d love to reshare!
Happy Cooking, friends!
Meg @ With Salt and Wit says
This will be a great change from all the heavy foods we eat this time of year! Sounds delicious!
Elizabeth Shaw says
THanks Meg!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
SO much goodness here! I have a feeling people are going to go crazy for this when everyone is trying to detox in January!!
Elizabeth Shaw says
So true- thanks Chrissa!
Sonali Ruder- The Foodie Physician says
I love quinoa too! This dish looks simple and delicious- perfect to pack for lunch!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Totally- lunch in no time!
Rebecca | NOURISHED. says
Quinoa is my favourite grain (/seed… lol) And a good quinoa salad has been my go-to lunch for the last little while. Love all the different flavours here – looks delish!!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks Rebecca- such a quick and filling option!
Emily Kyle says
Quinoa is the best and I bet this salad tastes amazing!! Did you get all the ingredients from Aldi? They’re the best!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Yes mam! A one stop shop for everything!
Alisa Fleming says
I’ve been getting back into quinoa again lately and needed some easy ways to enjoy it. This looks perfect.
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks Alisa! I definitely go in phases with this too!
Taylor Kiser says
This looks so delicious! Would love this quinoa salad for lunch or as a quick meatless dinner!
Elizabeth Shaw says
🙂 Thanks Taylor- would taste perfect with those cocktails you were whipping up!
Kat says
I love, love, love quinoa! It’s one of my favorite side dishes or main dishes and this Healthy Quinoa Salad looks perfect! I love all the added veggies and flavors too. 🙂
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks Kat- the versatility of this grain is amazing!
Laura says
Quinioa is one of my favorite side dishes! This looks so yummy!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks Laura!
Lindsay Cotter says
Yes, I agree…quinoa is amazing! Love how quick and easy this Quinoa Salad with Spinach & Onions is. Makes the perfect prep ahead meal that I can use for lunches during my busy week!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Totally- and during the long road trip for your move 🙂
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands says
A simple delicious combo! I love making big batches of quinoa salads and than spicing them up over a couple days. Maybe adding an egg, avocado, and they are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Elizabeth Shaw says
So true- the avocado on my counter I’ve been waiting to ripen so I can dive into it with the quinoa too!
Colorado Gal says
I have a love affair with quinoa dishes! I love making big batches early in the week and then keeping them in the fridge; they last forever! This one looks great; thanks!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Loving the quinoa love here Heather! Enjoy!
amanda -runtothefinish says
I absolutely love how versatile quinoa salads are, you can change in and out just a few things for a totally different flavor! This one is a perfect light side dish
Elizabeth Shaw says
So true- thanks Amanda! Plus excellent protein for your long runs!
greentopiaries says
This looks so very delicious! I think that I would prefer it as a hot salad – yummy! 🙂
Elizabeth Shaw says
Hot is always a good choice in the winter!