Best 2 Warm Quinoa Spinach And Shiitake Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our Warm Quinoa, Spinach, and Shiitake Salad! Embark on a culinary journey where the nutty crunch of quinoa meets the earthy notes of sautéed shiitake mushrooms and the vibrant freshness of baby spinach. This power-packed salad is not just a feast for your taste buds; it's a nutritional powerhouse, boasting an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. With its delightful blend of textures and flavors, this salad is perfect as a light lunch, a wholesome side dish, or even as a hearty main course for vegetarians and vegans. Get ready to nourish your body and soul with this delectable dish!

The article features three variations of this versatile salad, each offering a unique twist on the original. The first recipe, "Warm Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Shiitake Mushrooms", presents the classic combination of quinoa, spinach, and shiitake mushrooms, enhanced with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. For a more protein-packed option, the "Warm Quinoa Salad with Spinach, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Black Beans" incorporates black beans, adding a boost of plant-based protein and fiber. Finally, the "Warm Quinoa Salad with Spinach, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Roasted Butternut Squash" introduces roasted butternut squash, bringing a touch of sweetness and a vibrant orange hue to the salad.

No matter which recipe you choose, you'll be treated to a delightful and nutritious meal. The combination of quinoa, spinach, and shiitake mushrooms provides a well-balanced blend of carbohydrates, protein, and essential nutrients. The lemon-tahini dressing adds a tangy and creamy touch, while the optional roasted butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness and extra nutrition.

So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary adventure! This Warm Quinoa, Spinach, and Shiitake Salad is waiting to tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body.

Let's cook with our recipes!

WARM QUINOA, SPINACH, AND SHIITAKE SALAD



Warm Quinoa, Spinach, and Shiitake Salad image

The quinoa adds protein as well as a chewy texture to this meatless main dish. The heat of the cooked quinoa and mushrooms helps wilt the spinach; the dressing and feta pull this warm salad together.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup red-wine vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 pounds fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps halved
1 1/2 cups quinoa
1 pound baby spinach
8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • Heat broiler; set rack 4 inches from heat. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • On a large rimmed broiler-proof baking sheet, toss mushrooms with half the dressing (reserve the rest); broil, tossing occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and mushrooms are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine quinoa, 3 cups water, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cover, and simmer until liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Place spinach in a large bowl; add hot mushrooms, quinoa, and reserved dressing. Toss to combine (spinach will wilt slightly). Top with crumbled feta, and serve immediately.

WARM QUINOA, SPINACH, AND SHIITAKE SALAD



Warm Quinoa, Spinach, and Shiitake Salad image

Categories     Salad     Broil     Quinoa     Spinach     Simmer     Boil

Yield serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup red-wine vinegar
2/3 cup olive oil
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
2 pounds fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps halved
1 1/2 cups quinoa
1 pound baby spinach
1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese (8 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat the broiler; set a rack 4 inches from the heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • On a large rimmed broiler-proof baking sheet, toss the mushrooms with half the dressing (reserve the rest); broil, tossing occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the quinoa, 3 cups water, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat to medium. Cover, and simmer until the liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Place the spinach in a large bowl; add the hot mushrooms, quinoa, and reserved dressing. Toss to combine (the spinach will wilt slightly). Top with the crumbled feta, and serve immediately.
  • cleaning shiitakes
  • Do not soak shiitakes in water, because they will become spongy. Instead, wipe the caps clean with a damp paper towel after trimming away the stems.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any saponins, which can give it a bitter taste.
  • Cook the quinoa according to the package directions, or until it is tender and fluffy.
  • While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the other ingredients for the salad.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the shiitake mushrooms and cook until they are browned and tender.
  • Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until it is wilted.
  • Combine the cooked quinoa, mushrooms, spinach, dressing, and any other desired toppings in a large bowl and toss to combine.
  • Serve the salad warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion:

This warm quinoa, spinach, and shiitake salad is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it is also low in calories and fat. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give this salad a try!

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