Summer Berry and Quinoa Salad with Honey-Mint Dressing
A light and nutritious quinoa salad bursting with fresh summer berries, chopped almonds, and a fragrant honey-mint dressing that brightens every bite. This general-inspired salads ready in about 35 minutes blends rinsed quinoa, water, hulled and quartered fresh strawberries into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, rinsed quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup, hulled and quartered fresh strawberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/3 cup, toasted slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and cool to room temperature.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa with 1 cup quartered fresh strawberries, 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds, and 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves.
- Step 4: Pour honey-mint dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Chill for 20 minutes before serving to enhance flavors and provide a refreshing picnic side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Summer Berry and Quinoa Salad with Honey-Mint Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Summer Berry and Quinoa Salad with Honey-Mint Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Summer Berry and Quinoa Salad with Honey-Mint Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Summer Berry and Quinoa Salad with Honey-Mint Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Summer Berry and Quinoa Salad with Honey-Mint Dressing?
General salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
