On a sun-drenched afternoon, I found myself wandering through a vibrant farmer’s market, where the air was thick with the aroma of fresh produce and the chatter of excited shoppers. As I meandered through the stalls, my eyes were drawn to a colorful array of citrus fruits. The oranges, grapefruits, and limes seemed to dance in the sunlight, inviting me to create something refreshing and unique. Inspired by this burst of color and flavor, I decided to craft a salad that would not only celebrate these fruits but also bring a delightful crunch and heartiness through the addition of quinoa and seeds.
This Whimsical Citrus & Quinoa Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nourishing dish that brightens any table. It’s perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply a delightful lunch at home. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 grapefruit, segmented
1 orange, segmented
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Honey-Lime Dressing
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Zest of 1 lime
Salt to taste
Instructions
Begin by cooking the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the honey-lime dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lime juice, olive oil, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity according to your preference.
Once the quinoa has cooled, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in the grapefruit and orange segments, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and fresh mint. Add the sunflower and pumpkin seeds for that delightful crunch.
Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the salad, and toss it gently to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Serve this enchanting salad immediately, or chill it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Each bite is a refreshing explosion of citrus and a delightful crunch, making you feel as if you’re enjoying a sunlit day in the market all over again.