This is an easy salad to put together, but so nourishing and satisfying. I often prepare the grains and dressing on a Sunday, so this only takes 10 minutes to put together when I want a quick midweek lunch or dinner.
Rinse the quinoa under water in a fine sieve. In a medium saucepan, place the quinoa, water or stock and a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, strain the quinoa and let it sit. Fluff with a fork and let it cool down while you prep your other ingredients.
1 cup quinoa, 2 1/2 cups water
For the dressing: Add all the ingredients, except the olive oil, to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Whisk the olive oil through at the end. Add more seasoning if you wish.
1 cup basil leaves , 1 garlic clove, 1 small shallot, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar , 1/2 lemon, 1/2 teaspoon caster sugar , 1/2 cup extra Virgin olive oil , Sea salt
To a large salad bowl, add the quinoa, spinach, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, spring onion and almonds. Drizzle over the dressing and gently combine.
1 cup quinoa, 2 1/2 cups water, 2 cups baby spinach, 2 lebanese cucumbers, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 avocado, 3 spring onions, 1/2 cup almonds