Signature Recipe
Tangy Citrus Quinoa Salad
A refreshing salad with quinoa, citrus segments, and a light vinaigrette, bursting with flavor.
As the days grow warmer and the sun shines brighter, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a vibrant salad that celebrates the season. This delightful dish brings together the nutty goodness of quinoa with the refreshing zest of citrus, making it an ideal accompaniment for picnics or light lunches. With its beautiful medley of textures and flavors, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nourishing option that will leave you feeling invigorated.
The star of this recipe, quinoa, is a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with protein and fiber, making it a staple in any healthy diet. As it cooks, the quinoa transforms into fluffy little grains that provide a perfect base for our salad. Paired with juicy segments of orange and grapefruit, each bite bursts with a refreshing sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the grain. The citrus fruits not only add a pop of color but also bring a bright acidity that elevates the entire dish.
To bring it all together, we’ll whip up a light vinaigrette that enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them. This dressing is simple yet effective, ensuring that every ingredient shines through. The crispness of the salad, combined with the lightness of the vinaigrette, creates a lovely contrast that makes this dish hard to resist. Whether served as a main course or a side, this salad is sure to impress your friends and family, inviting them to indulge in its wholesome goodness.
From the first step of cooking the quinoa to the final toss of the ingredients, this recipe is designed to be approachable and enjoyable. With just a little bit of preparation, you can create a stunning dish that embodies the essence of freshness and flavor. Let’s dive into the steps and make this delightful salad that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!
Tangy Citrus Quinoa Salad
Ingredient list and step-by-step instructions generated for AI Food Bytes readers.
Main
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups water (for cooking quinoa)
- 1 orange orange (peeled and segmented)
- 1 grapefruit grapefruit (peeled and segmented)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 avocado avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for vinaigrette)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for vinaigrette)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Steps
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain.
- In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, orange segments, grapefruit segments, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
General Notes
- Serves 4
- A refreshing salad with quinoa, citrus segments, and a light vinaigrette, bursting with flavor.