Make Your Own: Warm Spinach and Quinoa Salad

Make Your Own: Warm Spinach and Quinoa Salad

Amanda Furbee

Winter is known to many as a season of indulgence, from holiday feasts to comfort food during cold nights. However, it's possible to enjoy satisfying, warm meals without compromising your health. One of the best ways to do this is with a nutritious and delicious spinach and quinoa bowl. With the versatility of the ingredients and its satisfying taste, it's an excellent way to fulfill your winter cravings and stay healthy. You can mix and match your root veggies and protein to give variety to this bowl, but this is one delicious and hearty salad.  

Don't let the simplicity of spinach and quinoa fool you. These two ingredients are nutritional titans in their own right. Spinach, a leafy green marvel, is packed with a ton of iron and essential vitamins like A, C, and K. And let's not forget its substantial fiber content which aids in digestion. On the other hand, we have quinoa, a super grain renowned for being a complete protein. It generously offers all the nine essential amino acids our bodies can't produce. Add in its abundance of fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese, and you have a grain that truly packs a punch. When these two join forces in a bowl, they create a meal that is not only delectable but also brimming with vital nutrients your body needs. With a spinach and quinoa bowl, you're not just satisfying your winter cravings, you're also giving your body a substantial nutritional boost.

Ever wonder why you're reaching for hot soups and stews when winter rolls around? It's all about how our bodies adapt to the cold. In chilly conditions, our bodies must work a bit harder to keep our internal thermostat running smoothly, which can rev up our metabolism and ignite our appetites. The instinct to seek out warmer foods is our body's clever strategy to acquire the heat and energy it needs. That's where our spinach and quinoa bowl comes into play. This dish is more than just a comfort food, it serves as a fuel to stoke your internal furnace, helping your body to maintain its essential functions and stay toasty throughout the cold season. So next time the temperature drops, embrace those cravings knowing it’s just your body’s way of staying warm and well-fueled.

The true charm of a spinach and quinoa bowl is the limitless possibilities it offers. Think of it as your culinary canvas, open to your creativity and cravings. Have a sweet tooth? Roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash make a delightful addition. Looking to up your protein intake? Grilled chicken or tofu are excellent choices. The fun doesn't stop there. You can play around with various dressings, add a punch with fresh herbs, or give it a zing with your favorite spices. The potential combinations are as diverse as your palate, making this a go-to meal for the whole winter season. Whether you prefer your meals sweet, spicy, tangy, or savory, there's a spinach and quinoa bowl variation that's bound to be a hit. With this bowl, the phrase "you are what you eat" has never been more appealing. Enjoy the flexibility of this meal and have fun experimenting with different versions all winter long.

I love to roast all root vegetables in our in house Chicory Cacao Blackening Rub 

Ingredients: Roasted Chicory RootGarlic Powder, Paprika, Cumin PowderChili PowderCacao PowderThymeAnise PowderCayenne, and Smoked Durango Salt.

Taking charge of your winter nutrition doesn't mean trading off flavor or fulfillment. Embrace the heartwarming delight of a spinach and quinoa bowl, a meal that marries nourishment with satisfaction. Keep your culinary experience fresh and exciting by experimenting with different ingredient combinations. This doesn't just keep your palate entertained but also assures a broad spectrum of nutrients are making their way into your diet. So, as the winter chill sets in, give a warm welcome to the spinach and quinoa bowl. It’s not just a meal—it's a hearty, flavorful adventure that supports your wellness all through the frosty season. Enjoy exploring the endless possibilities it offers and let every bite contribute to your health and happiness.

Here’s What You Will Need:

-1 Sweet potato

-1/2 Red Onion, chopped

-2 Tablespoons oil of choice (Olive, Ghee, Coconut)

-1 Tablespoon of chopped garlic

-1 or 2 Tablespoons of THS Chicory Cacao Blend

-Salt and pepper to taste

-Roasted chicken or protein of choice 

-2 Tablespoons of spicy mustard

-1 Tablespoon of maple syrup

-1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar

-1 Shallot, sliced

-4 Cups of fresh spinach

-1/2 Cup of cooked quinoa

-1 Tablespoon of hemp hearts

To Make Your Own: Spinach and Quinoa Salad

  • Chop up the red onion, garlic, and sweet potato and toss them in your oil and the chicory cacao blend. Follow our Roasted Roots with Chicory Cacao Recipe.
  • Take your roasted chicken or protein of choice and mix it with the spicy brown mustard.
  • Mix your sliced shallot with the maple syrup, vinegar, a dash of oil, and salt and pepper.
  • Add the chicken to the shallot mix and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Grab a bowl and add your quinoa and spinach. Then add your roasted sweet potatoes and chicken.
  • Sprinkle your hemp hearts on top.
  • Enjoy this delicious and nourishing warm salad.

We take great pleasure in creating products and recipes for you. However, if you are interested in going more in-depth to make all your own herbal products we will be offering our Make Your Own Product Series as a recorded class in the future.

To set up an herbal consultation with me email: info@theherbshoppepharmacy.com 

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