Sweet and Savory Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad with Pecan Brittle

Salads are an excellent way to combine nutritious ingredients into a refreshing and satisfying meal. When it comes to creating a salad that is both indulgent and healthy, few combinations can beat the delightful contrast of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and nutrient-packed quinoa. When topped with a crunchy, caramelized pecan brittle, this dish becomes a real treat for your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a meal to energize your day or a side dish that will impress your guests, this Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad with Pecan Brittle is the perfect choice.

In this article, we will break down how to prepare this vibrant and mouthwatering salad, highlighting the key ingredients and their nutritional benefits. From the Pecan Brittle to the Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad, we’ll guide you through every step, and explore why this recipe is a great option for those who love innovative yet healthy meals.

Why Choose Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad with Pecan Brittle?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at why this Salad Quinoa is a fantastic option for your next meal.

1. Balanced Nutrition: This salad brings together the best of both worlds: fresh fruits and vegetables paired with a hearty, protein-packed grain. The quinoa provides a complete protein source, while the avocado delivers healthy fats and the strawberries add a burst of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. The addition of pecan brittle offers a sweet and savory crunch that complements the creamy avocado and fresh strawberries.
2. Perfect for Meal Prep: Since quinoa is easy to cook in bulk and stores well, this salad is a great meal prep option. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to serve. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a nutrient-dense salad throughout the week.
3. Versatility: This recipe can be modified to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a vegan salad, a gluten-free meal, or a salad with added protein, this Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad can be adapted to fit your needs.
4. Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, crunchy pecans, and nutty quinoa offers a wonderful array of textures and flavors. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and savory flavors in their meals.

Ingredients for Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad with Pecan Brittle

Here’s a list of ingredients needed to prepare this delicious and refreshing salad:

For the Salad:

• 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
• 2 cups water (for cooking quinoa)
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tbsp red onion, finely diced (optional, for added crunch and flavor)

For the Pecan Brittle:

• 1 cup raw pecan halves
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Steps

Now, let’s walk through how to make this Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad with Pecan Brittle.

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Start by preparing the quinoa. Cook quinoa by rinsing it thoroughly under cold water to remove its natural bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water (or broth for added flavor). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pan. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. Set aside to cool.

If you prefer a quicker cooking method, you can also use a rice cooker to prepare the quinoa. This will free up your stovetop for the other components of the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Brittle

While the quinoa is cooking, you can prepare the pecan brittle to add a delicious crunch to the salad.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and butter over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue cooking for 5-6 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
2. Add the pecans and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the pecans evenly. Keep an eye on the caramel mixture to prevent it from burning.
3. Once the mixture reaches a golden caramel color, remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Pour the pecan mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and spread it out to cool.
4. Once the brittle has cooled and hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces. You can store the brittle in an airtight container for up to a week.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Once the quinoa has cooled and the pecan brittle has been prepared, it’s time to assemble your Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, sliced strawberries, and diced avocado. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the avocado and strawberries are evenly distributed without mashing the avocado.
2. Add the toasted pecans (be sure to save some for garnish) and any optional ingredients, such as chopped red onion for added flavor or mint for a refreshing herbal note.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all of the ingredients.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with the pecan brittle pieces you saved earlier, a few sprigs of fresh mint, and a final drizzle of the dressing if desired.

Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. If you make the salad in advance, store the dressing and pecan brittle separately to ensure the salad remains fresh.

Health Benefits of Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad with Pecan Brittle

This salad is not only bursting with flavor, but it’s also packed with numerous health benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they’re great for your body:

1. Quinoa: Quinoa is a complete protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. It’s also rich in fiber, magnesium, and B-vitamins, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
2. Avocado: Avocados are loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health. They’re also rich in potassium, vitamin E, and fiber, making them great for digestion and overall well-being.
3. Strawberries: Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin. They are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great choice for weight management.
4. Pecans: Pecans are an excellent source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, and are rich in antioxidants. They also contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc, all of which are essential for maintaining good health.
5. Honey and Balsamic Vinegar: Both honey and balsamic vinegar add natural sweetness and tang without the need for added sugar. Balsamic vinegar also has a range of health benefits, including promoting digestion and supporting blood sugar control.

Meal Options and Variations

While this Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad with Pecan Brittle is delicious on its own, you can experiment with different variations to suit your tastes:

1. Add Protein: For those looking to make the salad more filling, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These protein sources will turn this salad into a complete meal.
2. Use Different Nuts: If you prefer a different kind of nut, feel free to substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture to the salad.
3. Vegan Version: To make this salad completely vegan, swap out the honey in the dressing for maple syrup and ensure that your dressing does not contain any dairy.
4. Add More Fruits: If you want to mix up the fruit profile, consider adding blueberries, mango, or even apples to complement the strawberries.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad with Pecan Brittle is a perfect example of a meal that’s both indulgent and healthy. With its vibrant mix of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you serve it as a light lunch, a side dish, or as part of a larger meal, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. Enjoy the balance of sweet and savory ingredients while reaping the benefits of nutrient-dense ingredients like quinoa, avocado, strawberries, and pecans.