As the sun began to set over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow, I found myself reminiscing about a summer picnic I once had with friends. We spread our blankets on a grassy knoll, laughter filling the air, as we shared stories and indulged in a delightful spread of food. In that moment, I had the inspiration to create a salad that would capture the essence of summer: vibrant, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Thus, the Citrus Quinoa Salad was born—a dish that not only nourishes the body but also brings joy to the heart.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 2 limes
Zest of 1 lime
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Begin by cooking the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water (or vegetable broth) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid has been absorbed. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey (or agave syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, orange segments, and cilantro. Once the quinoa has cooled to room temperature, fluff it with a fork and add it to the bowl of vegetables.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well coated. Add in the diced avocado and crumbled feta cheese, if using, and give it a light toss to combine without mashing the avocado.
Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. This Citrus Quinoa Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of fresh ingredients that will transport you to that sun-drenched picnic, no matter the time of year.