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.
It seems so backwards that I’m jealous of Ontario weather! We went on a VERY wet hike this weekend. Where is summer??
what a great way to use up the abundance of summer fruits I have in my fridge !
I love the looks of that salad! You are a genius.
Definitely worth taking the big camera! :) Looks beautiful!
That salad looks fantastic! :) On my way to check out the GMM site. I need some new flavor inspiration! lol.
Yum! That salad looks awesome! I love quinoa! Good way to amp up a fruit salad!
I was just creating a breakfast-quinoa recipe! i love your idea here with the almonds, cherries, and lime juice. :) Good idea for extra berries too.
What stunning Nature picutes too! I am glad it is warming up for you!
This looks absolutely amazing! As I write, Im enjoying a simple bowl of quinoa myself- sometimes that is all I need. I love quinoa, and pairing it with berries and balsamic sounds wonderful! And as you say, this would make a delicious breakfast too!
Oooh quinoa + berries?! I never would have thought of that but it looks like a winning combo! :)
Yea for berries :D I just whipped up your strawberry oat bars with some squishy local strawberries!! I like berries in quinoa too! just adds that POP of colour and taste.
Love the addition of quinoa to fruit salad! And what a beautiful looking hike! I wish I lived near trees and waterfalls :)
Yum, fruit salad with quinoa sounds awesome :D I love those pictures of the waterfall. What a perfect chance to experiment with shutter speed, thanks for sharing. I really need to do more of those kinds of experiments :D
Those pictures are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing the info on the waterfall pictures. I love looking at photography blogs and trying out the different settings on my camera :)
Looks like a nice place to hike, I’m in western Ontario…could you tell me where that waterfall is?
I will try the quinoa salad, see if the kids will like it with the berries!
I’m definitely making this salad ASAP! I plan on substituting the cherries for blackberries…then it will be my perfect sit-out-on-the-balcony-and-nosh meal =) Another winner from OSG (as usual)!
What a great hike! I know what you mean about all the mud. Our backyard is undeveloped (we just moved in last year) and we have the LARGEST mud pit. It’s horrible. Our German Shepperd got into the mud this weekend and then jumped in the car, silly Kevin for leaving the door open. I don’t think I have to finish the rest of that story… :|
I love the idea of amping up the nutrition content of fruit salad by adding cooked quinoa. Very nice!
So pretty! I wish I had berries here in France, but organic ones are literally nonexistent, sadly. And I miss quinoa, too. Thanks for posting such inspiring photos! :)
This looks so tasty and I love that it’s so easy to make!
Love the photos too!
I’m glad you lugged your camera on the hike, the photos are beautiful.
That looks great! Is it supposed to be served cold or warm?