This Quinoa Strawberry Avocado Salad is the ultimate celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, nutty quinoa, and tangy feta come together with a sweet and zesty dressing that ties it all together beautifully.
Perfect for picnics, summer gatherings, or a light lunch, this salad bursts with color, flavor, and nutrition. It’s quick to assemble and endlessly adaptable — a true staple for anyone seeking a healthy, delicious, and visually stunning dish.
Full Recipe:
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1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
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1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1 ripe avocado, diced
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1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled feta, chopped mint, and basil.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
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Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Quinoa Strawberry Avocado Salad
When it comes to creating a salad that hits all the right notes — sweet, savory, creamy, and refreshing — this Quinoa Strawberry Avocado Salad truly stands out. It combines the nutty earthiness of quinoa with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the buttery smoothness of ripe avocado. Tossed with a light and flavorful dressing, this salad is an effortless yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a healthy potluck contribution, this salad is versatile enough to fit the bill. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, beautifully colorful, and can be made in under 15 minutes.
The Nutritional Benefits of Quinoa Strawberry Avocado Salad
This salad is not just a feast for the eyes and taste buds — it’s also loaded with health benefits. Quinoa is often hailed as a superfood thanks to its high protein content, containing all nine essential amino acids. It’s a fantastic gluten-free option that’s also rich in fiber, iron, and magnesium.
Strawberries add a generous dose of vitamin C, antioxidants, and natural sweetness, while avocados contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber. Together, these ingredients create a well-balanced, nutrient-dense dish that supports energy, skin health, digestion, and heart function.
For those following specific dietary lifestyles — like vegetarian, gluten-free, or clean eating — this salad is a seamless fit. It also makes a great choice for meal prep, as the quinoa base holds up well, and the simple dressing keeps everything fresh and lively.
Flavor and Texture Harmony
One of the hallmarks of a memorable salad is the perfect balance of textures and flavors, and this recipe nails it. The fluffy quinoa provides a tender base with a slight chew, contrasting beautifully against the juicy pop of strawberries. Meanwhile, avocado adds creamy richness, and feta cheese offers a salty, tangy counterpoint that ties everything together.
Fresh mint and basil elevate the overall flavor profile, adding aromatic and herbaceous notes that enhance the fruitiness of the strawberries and the subtle earthiness of the quinoa. The dressing, a simple blend of olive oil, honey, and lemon juice, gently coats every ingredient, offering a sweet and tangy zing without overpowering the natural flavors.
Occasions and Meal Pairings
This salad shines in many settings. It’s a natural choice for:
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Summer barbecues: Light and refreshing, it’s a great side to grilled meats or veggie skewers.
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Brunch gatherings: Serve it alongside frittatas, pastries, or fresh bread for a colorful and nutritious spread.
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Picnics: Easy to transport and best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
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Light lunches or dinners: Add a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
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Holiday tables: Its vibrant colors and elegant presentation make it a festive addition to any holiday spread, especially spring and summer celebrations like Easter or Mother’s Day.
How to Customize Your Salad
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few easy ways to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences:
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Add nuts or seeds: Toasted almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds add crunch and extra nutrients.
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Swap the cheese: Goat cheese, blue cheese, or a dairy-free alternative can replace feta for a different flavor twist.
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Incorporate more fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, or mango chunks can enhance the fruity profile.
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Mix in greens: Toss in a handful of arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens for added volume and freshness.
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Spice it up: A sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a spicy or tangy finish.
Tips for Perfecting This Salad
While this recipe is straightforward, a few simple tips can ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
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Use ripe but firm avocados: They should be creamy but hold their shape when diced.
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Cool the quinoa: Make sure the quinoa is completely cooled before mixing with the other ingredients to prevent wilting the avocado and strawberries.
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Dress right before serving: To maintain the salad’s fresh texture, toss it with the dressing just before serving, especially if you’re preparing it ahead of time.
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Choose sweet, ripe strawberries: Since the berries are a major flavor component, the better the quality, the more delicious your salad will be.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be prepared ahead of time with a few adjustments:
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Store components separately: Keep the quinoa, dressing, and chopped fruits separate until you’re ready to assemble.
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Add avocado last: Dice and add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
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Refrigeration: Assembled salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day, although the strawberries may release some juices over time.
If you want to meal prep for the week, make a larger batch of cooked quinoa and store it separately. You can then quickly throw together a fresh version of the salad whenever needed.
Why This Salad Is a Year-Round Favorite
While it’s especially perfect for spring and summer, this salad has year-round appeal. In colder months, you can substitute the strawberries with other seasonal fruits like persimmons or pomegranate seeds. Avocado remains available year-round in most places, and herbs like basil and mint can be found fresh or grown indoors.
This adaptability means you can enjoy the vibrant flavors and health benefits of this salad anytime you’re craving something light yet satisfying.
Conclusion
The Quinoa Strawberry Avocado Salad is everything a modern dish should be — healthy, vibrant, easy to prepare, and absolutely delicious. It’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that nourish the body and delight the senses.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick weekday lunch, contributing to a festive gathering, or simply craving a flavorful way to enjoy seasonal produce, this salad is a winning choice. Its colorful presentation, diverse textures, and balanced flavors ensure it will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
By keeping things simple yet fresh, this salad reminds us that some of the best meals are the ones that let the natural beauty and taste of real food shine through.