Energizing Beet & Quinoa Power Salad

If your lunches tend to leave you sluggish or snacky an hour later, this Energizing Beet & Quinoa Power Salad is the antidote.

It’s colorful, high in plant-based protein, and loaded with fiber — everything your brain and gut need for steady energy and focus.

It also holds up beautifully for meal prep, making it an ideal ADHD-friendly or workday lunch that tastes even better the next day.

Why It Works

This salad isn’t just pretty — it’s functional nutrition in every bite. Each ingredient supports brain health, gut balance, and steady focus:

• Quinoa: Complete protein and slow-digesting carb that stabilizes blood sugar and supports neurotransmitter production.

• Beets: Rich in nitrates that improve blood flow to the brain and naturally support focus and endurance.

• Chickpeas: Packed with fiber and plant-based protein to help regulate energy and support gut microbes.

• Apple: Adds crunch and sweetness with vitamin C and polyphenols for antioxidant support.

• Feta: Adds calcium and healthy fats for brain and nerve function.

• Parsley + Red Onion: Fresh herbs and antioxidants that aid detoxification and digestion.

• Spinach + Arugula: Leafy greens packed with magnesium and folate — nutrients linked to calm focus and improved mood.

• Maple-Balsamic Dressing: Olive oil provides healthy fats that boost nutrient absorption and satisfaction.

Energizing Beet & Quinoa Power Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 2 cups sliced cooked beets

• 1 diced apple

• ½ cup feta cheese (or dairy-free alternative)

• 1 cup parsley, chopped

• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

Greens:

• A few handfuls of spinach and arugula

Dressing (shake in a jar):

• 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp grainy Dijon mustard

• 1 minced garlic clove

• 1–2 tsp maple syrup (optional, to balance acidity)

• Salt + pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, chickpeas, beets, apple, feta, parsley, and red onion.

2. In a small jar, shake together all dressing ingredients until smooth.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

4. Serve over a bed of spinach and arugula.

💡 Quick cooking tips:

• Beets: Drizzle whole beets with avocado oil, wrap in parchment paper, and air fry until tender. Once cooled, the skins peel off easily.

• Quinoa: Cook in a rice cooker for perfect texture every time — no stirring needed!

💚 Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days, so it’s perfect for meal prep or quick weekday lunches.

Make It Your Own

• Swap feta for goat cheese or vegan cheese.

• Add pumpkin seeds or walnuts for crunch.

• Use lentils instead of chickpeas.

• Make it warm: toss cooked beets and quinoa while still slightly warm before adding greens.

Nutritional Benefits

More ADHD-Friendly Lunches to Try

This salad delivers steady energy and focus — no crash, no brain fog.

If you’re looking to add more balanced, ADHD-friendly lunches to your week, try these next:

• Nourishing Roasted Veggie Buddha Bowl with Tahini-Dijon Dressing

• Simple Chickpea Salad Recipe (Fresh + Protein-Packed)

And for more nutrition insights:

• Top 10 Foods to Boost Brain Health Naturally

• Best Foods for ADHD: What to Eat & What to Avoid

Final Thoughts

Healthy eating shouldn’t feel complicated.

This Energizing Beet & Quinoa Power Salad is proof that real food can be both vibrant and functional — fueling your gut, brain, and body with the nutrients they need to thrive.

Make a batch for meal prep, and enjoy calm, focused energy all week long.