Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious? Dive into our Fruit Quinoa Salad with Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing! Bursting with colorful fruits and the nutty goodness of quinoa, this salad is the perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you're preparing a light lunch, a side dish for a summer barbecue, or a healthy snack, this salad is a showstopper that’s quick to whip up in just 35 minutes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful recipe that’s not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruit (berries, mango, kiwi)
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 1/4 cup citrus poppy seed dressing
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps to remove the natural coating, called saponin, which can give quinoa a bitter taste.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
- After the quinoa is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to steam and become fluffy.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool down slightly.
- While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the mixed fresh fruit. Wash and chop the berries, mango, and kiwi into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped fruit in a separate bowl.
- Chop the fresh mint finely and add it to the bowl with the mixed fruit.
- Once the quinoa has cooled to room temperature, gently fold the fruit and mint mixture into the quinoa.
- Drizzle the citrus poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season the salad with additional salt to taste, if desired.
- Serve the fruit quinoa salad immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving. Enjoy your refreshing and nutritious salad!
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This crucial step removes the saponin coating, which can impart a bitter taste. A fine-mesh strainer works best for this task.
- Perfect Cooking Ratio: Use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water. For every cup of quinoa, add two cups of water for optimal cooking and fluffiness.
- Let it Steam: After cooking, let the quinoa sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This steaming process helps achieve that fluffy texture.
- Fruit Selection: Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits! Berries, mango, and kiwi are just the beginning—try adding pineapple, peaches, or even pomegranate seeds for a unique twist.
- Chill for Flavor: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.
- Make it Your Own: Customize the dressing to your liking! If you prefer a creamier dressing, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt to the citrus poppy seed dressing.
- Serve Fresh: While this salad can be made ahead of time, it's best enjoyed fresh. If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
