
This weekend, we went on our first summery hike of the year. The weather was warm and the sun was shining.
It was our first hike of the year that we didn’t think we were going to: 1) freeze to death, or 2) sink 3 feet deep in the mud.

I didn’t even need a jacket!

Yes, I’m one of those hardcore people who lug their big camera on a hike. ;)

It was worth it though! I love taking pictures of nature.

This waterfall pic below was taken using a slower shutter speed (1/20). Slow shutter speeds create flowy and ‘creamy’ looking waterfalls.

This one below was taken using a faster shutter speed (1/400), which creates more individual drops and a broken up look. Cool, eh?

We hiked about 6k and then raced home to devour lunch.

Feature ingredient: strawberries!

I wanted to create a fruit salad with more staying power, one that was high in protein and healthy fats. I thought quinoa would be a fun grain to use in a fruit salad because it is so light in both texture and flavour. It’s also a complete protein source and gluten-free.
I added some protein and calcium-packed almonds along with a lightly sweetened dressing.
Open mouth. Inhale. Repeat.

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High Protein Quinoa Almond Berry Salad (Vegan & GF)
Yield: 2-3 as a main, 4-6 as a side.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup dry quinoa
- 1 pint strawberries, sliced (2.5-3 cups)
- 16 oz. fresh blueberries (1.5-2 cups)
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and sliced
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (or lemon might work!)
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
Directions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, chop the fruit and place in a large bowl.
3. Mix the dressing ingredients (maple syrup, balsamic, lime juice, salt) in a small jar and adjust to taste if necessary. Note: You may have to double the dressing recipe if your salad is quite large.
4. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and add to large bowl with fruit. Combine. Pour on dressing and mix well. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge until serving time. Serves 2-3 as a main or 4-6 as a side. Or if you are reeeeally hungry 2 people!
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The fluffy quinoa soaked up the fruity flavour from the berries and dressing, making a party in my mouth. This would make a great fruit salad to bring to a summer BBQ or gathering. It’s also good for a light & summery breakfast or snack.
That is, if you can share after you taste it!
We each gobbled down a couple heaping plates worth and stared in disbelief at the bottom of the empty bowl.
Who stole our fruit salad?!

Til next time fruit salad, til next time.
Green Monster Movement Update:
– Looking for Green Monster recipe inspiration? Check out the collection of 280 reader recipes over at GMM! So many great reader stories too.
What a gorgeous hike!
The quinoa bowl is beautiful too. I love incorporating fresh fruit into my summer salads.
What a fun and healthy twist on the “traditional” fruit salad!
I’ve never had quinoa with fruit so I’ll definitely try this out ASAP.
I think this dish may also be quite convenient for a to-go meal (like for work, road trips, outdoor activities).
Taking pictures of waterfalls is so fun because you can play around with different effects :)
I love the waterfall photos, really beautiful! Great photography!!
THose pictures are breathtaking!! Definitely worth lugging the camera around!
Beautiful pictures and beautiful food! I am looking forward to making this soon! This would be great with a little pure almond extract too!
:)
mmm yes great idea!!
Beautiful pictures Angela! Looks like you guys had a great time, as soon as the weather starts shaping up around here I hope to get out and be adventerous too :)
Love the waterfall pics! I need to try this:)
How could you not love something so bright and colorful?! Looks like the perfect post-hike meal :)
Angela, looks like a wonderful hike. I love getting outside as much as possible this time of year. The fruity quinoa salad looks amazing!
Hiking is my favorite weekend activity – too bad I haven’t had a chance to get out for one yet this year!
That salad looks really delicious.
Your pictures are so gorgeous! They make me want to go hiking too!
I really need to try quinoa I’ve just been afraid to. I’m not sure how to prepare it/what to serve it with!
In addition to this being perfect for summer, the colors make it even more perfect for the 4th of July! Quinoa is one of my favorite grains. I love how it goes with absolutely everything. I should bring this over to the family BBQ on the 4th, and spruce up the food spread with a healthy dish! I love being the one who brings something healthy that everyone actually likes.
great idea!
That looks SOOO yummy! Gonna make that, for sure! :D
quinoa pairs so well with fruit. have you ever put dried figs in a quinoa salad? sooo good!
no I dont think I have but that sounds amazing! I love dried figs! Dates would be good too :)
I was just looking for green monster recipes, so the link comes in really handy :) thanks!
Your pictures are gorgeous! And that salad… mmmm!
Your waterfall pics are GORGEOUS! I love how you share the details about the camera speed/setting!! I don’t own a dslr….yet! Its definitely at the top of my Christmas list this year!!
Do you just top the salad with almonds or stir them into the dish???
The colors of the salad are very “Fourth of July”.
I love refreshing summer fruit salads!
Balsamic and strawberries is such a great combo.
Nice looking hike! My hike yesterday looked very different. We’re still playing in the snow!
LOVE THIS! I love incorporating summery foods into all my meals and this is the perfect way to do it! Too bad cherries are like 6.99 a lb at my grocery store right now….yikes!