# Lunch Today:  Mixed Greens and Quinoa Salad

**By Paula Gallagher** · 2021-03-16

![mixed greens](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0319/0960/9603/files/mixed-greens_300.png?v=1615830921)

We had some beautiful weather last week and it felt like spring! Once the weather turns from frigid to warm, I tend to eat fewer soups and stews and start enjoying lighter, fresh salads. 

This salad is full of protein and even has some added omega-3’s from some heart-healthy avocados. The strawberries add some extra freshness and [antioxidant power](https://myvillagegreen.com/blogs/post/strawberries-may-reduce-cancer-growth), and the creamy dressing is a little decadent but is key to making this salad extra yummy. And although quinoa is a good source of protein, you could add grilled chicken or fish to make this a more hearty meal. 

You could also add some crunch to this salad by tossing in a few heart-healthy nuts such as almonds, walnuts or pecans, and if the dressing is too creamy for your liking, you can make a balsamic dressing for this salad by taking out the mayonnaise and using a balsamic reduction. If you do this, then you won’t need the apple cider vinegar in your dressing, as it will be acidic enough.

## Mixed Greens and Quinoa Salad

Salad

-   1 cup water
-   10 strawberries, sliced
-   1/2 cup cooked black beans
-   1/2 cup uncooked red quinoa, rinsed
-   1 avocado, sliced
-   8 cups mixed greens

Dressing                           

-   1/3 cup vegan mayonnaise
-   2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
-   2 tablespoon honey
-   1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Using a strainer, rinse your quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. Place quinoa and 1 cup of water into a pan over medium heat and cook according to directions. Once cooked, put the quinoa in a bowl and set in the fridge to cool.

In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients and set aside.

When you’re ready to serve, put the remaining salad ingredients into a large bowl, toss in your quinoa and drizzle with dressing!

**Tags:** Category_Healthy Recipes, heart healthy, quinoa, salad

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> Source: [Village Green Apothecary](https://myvillagegreen.com/blogs/post/lunch-today-mixed-greens-and-quinoa-salad)