Based on the recipe given, here are my assumptions for the Difficulty, Prep Time, and Cooking Time:

– **Difficulty:** Moderate (Involves multiple steps and some ingredient handling like cooking quinoa and making a dressing)
– **Prep Time:** 20 minutes (Includes washing and chopping strawberries, mint, and preparing the dressing)
– **Cooking Time:** 15 minutes (Time taken to cook quinoa)

The updated table with these values would look like this:

“`html

“`

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of experiencing a delightful Strawberry Quinoa Salad at a charming countryside cafe in France. The salad was a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors, with each bite conjuring visions of a sun-kissed strawberry field on a warm summer afternoon. It was a dish that captured the essence of the season and left a lasting impression on my palate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cooking Quinoa:

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.

2. Making the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

3. Assembling the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sliced strawberries, chopped mint leaves, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped walnuts.

4. Tossing with Dressing:

Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

5. Seasoning:

Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

6. Serving:

Serve the Strawberry Quinoa Salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with a few extra mint leaves for a pop of color.

Tips:

• You can customize this salad by adding other seasonal fruits like blueberries, peaches, or blackberries.
• For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
• Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.
• Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as basil or cilantro to give the salad a unique twist.

This Strawberry Quinoa Salad is a celebration of summer on a plate, a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will transport you to a sunny strawberry field with every bite. Enjoy this salad as a light and refreshing meal on its own or as a vibrant side dish to accompany your favorite grilled proteins.