Each season brings its own palette of colors, and the spring is a symphony of vibrant greens and bright citrus. One sunny afternoon, inspired by a stroll through a local farmer’s market, I decided to create a salad that captures the essence of spring. The tangy sweetness of citrus fruits paired with the nutty flavor of quinoa created a delightful melody of textures and tastes that danced on the palate. This Quinoa & Citrus Salad became a staple in my kitchen, a celebration of the season that I eagerly share with friends and family.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 cup arugula, roughly chopped
1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 orange, segmented
1 grapefruit, segmented
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
Begin by cooking the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it cool.
While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the citrus segments. Carefully peel the orange and grapefruit, removing the white pith. Segment the fruits by cutting between the membranes. Set aside the juicy segments.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped arugula and baby spinach. Then, add the cooled quinoa, citrus segments, pomegranate seeds, diced red onion, and toasted walnuts. If you’re using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
For the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined.
Finally, garnish the salad with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing treat later. This salad is perfect for picnics, gatherings, or simply enjoying a sunny day at home.
As you take a bite of this vibrant salad, let the flavors transport you to a sun-drenched orchard, where every ingredient sings in harmony, creating a dish that is both nourishing and delightfully refreshing.