Looking for a vibrant, nutritious, and incredibly flexible dish to brighten your meal rotation? Our Quinoa Salad with Zesty Citrus Dressing is exactly what you need. This recipe goes beyond just a side dish; it’s a wholesome meal that’s simple to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors. Whether you’re planning a light lunch, a healthy dinner side, or a delicious component for your weekly meal prep, this quinoa salad delivers on all fronts.

This delightful quinoa salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Imagine it alongside Pan-Fried Salmon with Remoulade for a balanced dinner, or complementing a hearty Blue Cheese Burger for a fulfilling contrast. Its light yet satisfying profile makes it an ideal accompaniment to almost any meal.

When I first ventured into the world of food blogging, the idea of cooking with quinoa felt quite intimidating. It wasn’t as ubiquitous then as it is now, but I kept seeing it pop up in so many healthy recipes shared by fellow bloggers. Curiosity eventually won, and I decided to give this “ancient grain” a try. What started as an experiment quickly evolved into a kitchen staple! Not only has quinoa’s popularity skyrocketed since then, but it has also become a regular, beloved ingredient in my own home cooking due to its incredible health benefits and versatility.

What is Quinoa? The Superfood You Need in Your Diet

Before diving into the recipe, let’s understand what quinoa is. Often referred to as a grain, quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is actually a pseudocereal, botanically related to spinach and beets. It’s cultivated for its edible seeds, which are renowned for their impressive nutritional profile. Originating in the Andes Mountains of South America, where it has been a staple food for thousands of years, quinoa is truly a “superfood” that deserves a spot in your pantry.

What makes quinoa so special? It’s one of the few plant-based foods that is a **complete protein**, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own. This makes it an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to boost their protein intake. Beyond protein, quinoa is packed with fiber, which aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness, making it great for weight management. It’s also a rich source of essential minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and zinc, as well as B vitamins and antioxidants.

When I first started cooking with it, one of the challenges was simply knowing where to find it in the grocery store! While it’s now widely available, especially given its popularity, you can typically find quinoa in the aisle dedicated to specialty grains, rice, or dried beans. Look for it near the couscous, farro, or lentils. Most major supermarkets now carry it, but health food stores will almost always have a variety of options, including different colors like white, red, and black quinoa, each offering slightly different textures and subtle flavor notes.

Mastering the Art of Cooking Quinoa: Tips for Perfect Fluffiness

While cooking quinoa might seem daunting at first, it’s actually incredibly simple once you know a few key steps. The secret to perfectly fluffy quinoa lies in proper rinsing and the correct liquid-to-grain ratio. Don’t worry, there are no complicated shortcuts, just straightforward techniques that yield consistently delicious results.

Step-by-Step Stovetop Method for Fluffy Quinoa:

1. Rinse Thoroughly: This is a crucial first step! Quinoa seeds have a natural coating called saponin, which can impart a bitter, soapy taste if not removed. Place your quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water for at least 1-2 minutes, or until the water runs clear. Make sure to drain any excess water completely before cooking.
2. Combine with Liquid: The ideal ratio is 1 part quinoa to 2 parts liquid. For every cup of dry quinoa, you’ll need two cups of liquid. While water works perfectly fine, I highly recommend using vegetable broth (or chicken broth if not vegetarian) to infuse extra flavor into your quinoa, enhancing the overall taste of your salad.
3. Bring to a Boil: Add the rinsed quinoa and your chosen liquid to a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid during this time, as it traps the steam necessary for proper cooking.
5. Rest and Fluff: After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the heat, but keep the lid on. Let the quinoa rest for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the remaining steam to absorb and helps the grains to fully puff up. Finally, remove the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the quinoa. You’ll notice the tiny “tails” separating from the grains, indicating it’s perfectly cooked and ready to be used in your salad!

This method is very similar to cooking rice, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself effortlessly preparing batches of delicious, fluffy quinoa for various meals. Cooking with broth instead of water truly elevates the flavor, making your quinoa salad even more irresistible.

The Ultimate Customizable Quinoa Salad Recipe

One of the many reasons I adore this quinoa salad recipe is its incredible adaptability. It’s a fantastic “clean out the fridge” meal, perfect for utilizing any fresh vegetables you have on hand. Don’t have every single ingredient listed? No problem! The core of a great quinoa salad truly only requires cooked quinoa, a medley of fresh veggies, a good quality olive oil, and some zesty lime juice for the dressing. From there, you can let your creativity shine!

This salad is designed to be a canvas for your culinary preferences. Feel free to swap ingredients based on what’s in season, what you have available, or what your taste buds are craving. It’s an excellent way to boost your daily vegetable intake while enjoying a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Here are some fantastic vegetable ideas to include in your quinoa salad, including the combination I often use. Experiment and find your favorite mix!

• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Halved for bursts of sweet juiciness.
• Red Onion: Finely diced for a mild, crisp bite and beautiful color.
• Green Onion (Scallions): Sliced for a milder onion flavor and fresh green hue.
• Bell Pepper: Diced (red, yellow, or orange) for crunch and sweetness.
• Avocado: Cubed for creamy texture and healthy fats, added just before serving.
• Cucumbers: Diced or sliced for a refreshing coolness.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Cubed and roasted for a sweet, earthy depth (cook beforehand).
• Peas: Fresh or thawed frozen peas for a touch of sweetness and vibrant green.
• Corn: Fresh, canned, or frozen (thawed) kernels for sweetness and texture.
• Fresh Herbs: Cilantro (as in the recipe), parsley, or mint for an extra layer of freshness.
• Other Ideas: Chopped spinach or kale, shredded carrots, black beans (for extra protein), or even crumbled feta cheese for a salty kick.

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the ability to truly make it your own. Combine your cooked quinoa with a vibrant mix of these vegetables, toss it all with the bright citrus dressing, and you’ll have a healthy and utterly delicious meal ready in no time.

Explore More Favorite Quinoa Salad Recipes

If you’re now a fan of the versatile quinoa salad, you’ll be thrilled to know there are countless variations to explore! Here are some other delicious quinoa salad recipes you might love:

• Tomato and Black Bean Quinoa Salad: A hearty, Southwestern-inspired dish.
• Quinoa and Roasted Sweet Potato Salad: A warm and comforting flavor combination.
• Greek Quinoa Salad: Fresh Mediterranean flavors in a healthy salad.

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Quinoa Salad with Citrus Dressing

5 from 2 votes

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dish, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Healthy

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This Quinoa Salad recipe is simple to prepare, incredibly versatile, and bursting with fresh flavors. It’s perfect as a healthy main dish or a vibrant side, featuring fluffy quinoa, a tangy citrus dressing, and a generous mix of colorful vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Quinoa:

• 1 cup quinoa, well rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or water for a milder flavor)

For the Citrus Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

For the Salad Mix-ins:

• 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 – 1 large avocado, pitted, peeled, and cubed (add just before serving)
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Quinoa: Thoroughly rinse the 1 cup of quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve for at least 1-2 minutes until the water runs clear. This removes saponins, which can cause bitterness. Drain well.
2. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for another 5-10 minutes. Then, fluff with a fork and allow it to cool completely before assembling the salad.
3. Make the Dressing: While the quinoa cools, prepare the citrus dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, sliced green onions, and diced red bell pepper. Pour the prepared citrus dressing over the mixture.
5. Combine and Serve: Gently stir all the ingredients together to ensure the quinoa and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Just before serving, gently fold in the cubed avocado. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Recipe Notes:

For best results, allow the quinoa to cool completely before mixing it with the vegetables. This helps prevent the salad from becoming mushy and keeps the vegetables crisp.

This salad is excellent for meal prep! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If preparing ahead, add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories:
237kcal (12% DV)
,

Carbohydrates:
22g (7% DV)
,

Protein:
5g (10% DV)
,

Fat:
14g (22% DV)
,

Saturated Fat:
2g (13% DV)
,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
12g
,

Trans Fat:
0g
,

Cholesterol:
0mg
,

Sodium:
450mg (20% DV)
,

Fiber:
5g (21% DV)
,

Sugar:
2g (2% DV)

Keywords: quinoa salad recipe, healthy quinoa salad, easy salad, vegetarian, side dish, meal prep