Introduction: As the summer sun begins to shine brightly, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing and nutritious salad to cool you down and fuel your body. This Citrus Quinoa Salad combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with the vibrant flavors of citrus fruits and fresh vegetables, making it an ideal dish for your summer gatherings or a light meal on a warm day. Bursting with color, texture, and flavor, this salad is sure to become a staple in your summer recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
- Juice of 2 medium oranges
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional add-ins:
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or almonds
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss until well combined.
- If using any optional add-ins such as toasted nuts, cheese, or avocado, gently fold them into the salad.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Citrus Quinoa Salad as a light and nutritious meal on its own or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this Citrus Quinoa Salad is a true celebration of summer’s bounty, offering a symphony of flavors and textures in every mouthful. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or a nutritious addition to your picnic basket, this salad is guaranteed to impress with its vibrant colors, refreshing taste, and nourishing ingredients. So, embrace the season and treat yourself to this delightful salad that embodies the essence of summer on your plate. Cheers to good food, good company, and the joys of summertime!
