Pin It A vibrant, refreshing bowl packed with zesty citrus, creamy avocado, and protein-rich quinoa—perfect for a light lunch or a nourishing side.
This salad quickly became a weekday favorite because of its bright flavors and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- Quinoa Base: 1 cup quinoa rinsed, 2 cups water, ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Citrus & Avocado: 1 large orange peeled and segmented, 1 large grapefruit peeled and segmented, 1 ripe avocado diced, ½ small red onion finely sliced, ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- Fresh Greens & Herbs: 2 cups baby spinach or arugula, ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped, ¼ cup fresh mint chopped
- Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- Step 2:
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the citrus: peel and segment the orange and grapefruit, removing any seeds and membrane.
- Step 3:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt to make the dressing.
- Step 4:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, spinach (or arugula), red onion, cilantro, and mint. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently.
- Step 5:
- Add citrus segments, diced avocado, and pomegranate seeds. Gently toss again, adding more dressing as needed.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Pin It This quinoa bowl often brings the family together for a light and healthy meal that everyone enjoys.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan with lid, sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains none of the major allergens. If adding proteins or changing ingredients, check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 310 calories, 14 g total fat, 41 g carbohydrates, 7 g protein.
Pin It This bowl is perfect for meal prep or a quick healthy lunch anytime.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you cook quinoa perfectly?
Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness. Use a 1:2 quinoa-to-water ratio, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- → Can I substitute the citrus fruits?
Yes, blood orange or tangerine can replace the grapefruit or orange for a sweeter or deeper citrus flavor.
- → What dressing complements this bowl best?
A light dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard balances the fresh and creamy ingredients without overpowering them.
- → What greens work well in this bowl?
Baby spinach, arugula, or a mix of fresh herbs like cilantro and mint provide freshness and a slight peppery or aromatic note.
- → How can I add protein to this dish?
Grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas can be added for extra protein while keeping the dish balanced and nutritious.