Spring Quinoa and Berry Salad

This vibrant and refreshing salad is a perfect accompaniment to any summer meal. The combination of sweet berries, tangy red onion, and herbaceous mint creates a flavor profile that is both complex and satisfying. The quinoa provides a hearty base, while the olive oil and lemon juice add a touch of richness and acidity, respectively. This salad is best served chilled, and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

The inspiration for this salad came to me on a hot summer day, as I was flipping through a cookbook looking for something light and refreshing. I came across a recipe for a quinoa salad with berries, and I was immediately intrigued. However, I wanted to create a version that was more flavorful and complex, so I added red onion and mint to the mix. The result was a salad that was both delicious and visually appealing. I've since served this salad at countless gatherings, and it has always been a hit.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa according to package directions.
2. Let the quinoa cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, red onion, mint, olive oil, and lemon juice.
4. Stir to combine.
5. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Why It Works

• The combination of sweet and tart ingredients creates a flavor profile that is both complex and satisfying.
• The quinoa provides a hearty base, while the olive oil and lemon juice add a touch of richness and acidity, respectively.
• The red onion adds a touch of sharpness, while the mint adds a refreshing herbaceousness.
• This salad is best served chilled, as the cold temperatures help to meld the flavors together and create a more cohesive dish.