Ingredients and Weight:
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, kale, romaine lettuce)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cubed fresh pineapple
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for quinoa)
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare quinoa by cooking in water until tender. Allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, pineapple, cucumber, and cooked quinoa.
- In a separate small bowl, mix balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Crumble blue cheese or feta cheese over the salad and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
- Calories: 300-350 (depending on the type of cheese used)
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Protein: 8-12g
- Fiber: 5-7g
Dish Characteristics:
- Fresh and vibrant flavor combination of sweet and sour with a hint of tanginess from the vinegar and cheese.
- Colorful and healthy dish with a variety of vegetables and grains.
- Versatile dish that can be customized with different types of cheese or additional toppings.
User Comments:
- "Love the combination of flavors in this salad! The quinoa gives it a nice crunch."
- "This is a refreshing salad for a hot summer day. The balsamic vinegar gives it a great tangy taste."
- "I added some grilled chicken to this salad for extra protein and it was delicious!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use fresh ingredients for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of vinegar and cheese based on personal preference.
- If using fresh herbs like basil or oregano, add them at the end for maximum flavor.
