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A fresh, satisfying salad that comes together in minutes. Creamy lemon tahini dressing, sweet strawberries, crunchy walnuts, hearty chickpeas, and quinoa for complete protein. Add grilled or fresh tofu for extra protein — it kind of tastes like feta, yum!

Prep Time   |

10 minutes prep +15 minutes cook time (quinoa)

Servings  |

2

Meal Type  |

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Ingredients

  • Salad
    • Baby spinach, 3 cups
    • Strawberries, 1 cup, sliced
    • Quinoa, 1 cup, cooked
    • Chickpeas, 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
    • Walnuts, ¼ cup, roughly chopped
    • Hemp seeds, 2 tbsp
    • Red onion, ¼ medium, thinly sliced
    • Firm tofu, ½ block, cubed (optional extra protein - almost tastes like feta)
    • Fresh dill or any fresh herbs (optional)
  • Dressing
    • Tahini, 2 tbsp
    • Lemon, 1, juiced
    • Maple syrup, 1 tsp
    • Garlic clove, 1 small, minced
    • Water, 2–3 tbsp
    • Sea salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside to cool.
  • Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth, adding water one tablespoon at a time until pourable.
  • Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.
  • Top with grilled or cold tofu if using. !
  • Serve immediately on a plate or bowl that makes you smile. Enjoy!

What's in this meal?

Leafy Greens · Fruit · Beans + Soy · Nuts + Seeds

Fiber: 12g per serving

|

Protein: 18g per serving (with tofu ~24g)

|

Plant variety: 9-10

Nutrition info is approximate and based on common whole food ingredients. It depends on your ingredient choices and add-ins, so use it as a general guide—not a strict count. Focus on variety, fiber, and flavor, not perfection.

Swap It + Smart Tips

  • No quinoa? Sub farro or brown rice
  • No chickpeas? Try white beans or edamame
  • No walnuts? Sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds work great
  • Add blueberries or sliced peaches when in season
  • Dressing too thick? Add water one tablespoon at a time

Meal Prep Tip

Cook a big batch of quinoa at the start of the week — it stores in the fridge for up to 5 days and makes this salad a 5-minute assembly. Store dressing separately and toss fresh when ready to serve.

Pro Tip

Buy spinach and strawberries organic — they’re both on EWG’s Dirty Dozen list for highest pesticide residue. It’s the one swap that makes the biggest difference in this recipe.

Why It Matters

For You:

  • Spinach and strawberries deliver iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants in one bowl
  • Quinoa and chickpeas together provide complete protein and fiber to keep you full and energized
  • Healthy fats from walnuts and tahini help your body absorb the nutrients in the greens

For the Planet:

  • Choosing organic spinach and strawberries reduces demand for the pesticides harming our soil and waterways
  • Every plant-based meal reduces greenhouse gas emissions and resource use
  • More organic purchases signal demand for farmers who are healing the soil

Pro Tip

Buy spinach and strawberries organic — they’re both on EWG’s Dirty Dozen list for highest pesticide residue. It’s the one swap that makes the biggest difference in this recipe.

Community Gallery:

Real kitchens. Real tweaks. See real people in our community gallery. If you’d like to share, email hello@pigsaresmart.com.

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