Avocado Lime Quinoa Salad

$- 1 cup quinoa - 1 ripe avocado - Juice of 2 limes - 3 tablespoons olive oil Quinoa serves as the base for this salad. It is a great source of protein and fiber. I use one cup of rinsed quinoa, which works well for four servings. The avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. Use a ripe avocado for the best flavor and texture. Lime juice brings a fresh, zesty kick to the dish. I recommend using the juice of two limes for a bright taste. Olive oil helps to blend the flavors and adds richness. - 1/4 teaspoon cumin - Additional vegetables (like bell peppers or corn) Cumin gives a warm, earthy flavor to the salad. Though optional, I enjoy its unique taste. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or corn. These add color and crunch, enhancing the salad's appeal. - Salt and pepper - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro Salt and pepper are key for balancing flavors. I suggest starting with a pinch and adjusting to taste. Fresh cilantro adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the salad. It also makes the dish look vibrant and inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a medium-sized pot. Pour in 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa. This helps remove any bitter taste. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will soak up all the liquid. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid on. Finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork. This makes it light and airy. While the quinoa cooks, it’s time to make the dressing. In a small bowl, mix the juice of 2 limes with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want a little extra flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of cumin. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. This dressing will bring all the flavors together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the other ingredients. Add the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the avocado. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want more lime juice, salt, or pepper. Serve the salad right away, or chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors mix. Enjoy this fresh and tasty dish! To keep your avocado from turning brown, store it correctly. Keep unused avocado in an airtight container. Cover it with lime juice before sealing. The lime juice slows browning. You can also store it in water. Just make sure the pit is removed. Rinsing quinoa is key to a great taste. It removes a bitter coating called saponin. Use a fine mesh strainer for this step. After rinsing, cook it in water or vegetable broth for added flavor. Bring the liquid to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and simmer it for about 15 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing. This keeps your quinoa light and fluffy. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also serve it with pita bread for a light meal. The salad tastes best when served cold or at room temperature. Chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to mix well. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Avocados: Make sure your avocados are ripe for the best flavor and creaminess. A ripe avocado should yield slightly when pressed. Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes enhances the flavors and makes it even more refreshing. Add Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans to the salad for extra protein. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add bell peppers, corn, or radishes for added crunch and color. {{image_2}} You can boost your salad with protein. Chickpeas or black beans work great. They add fiber and make your dish filling. If you prefer meat, grilled chicken or shrimp are excellent options. These choices add flavor and make the salad heartier. To kick up the flavor, consider adding spices. A pinch of cayenne gives a nice heat. Paprika adds a sweet, smoky touch. Fresh herbs can also change the taste. Try parsley or basil for a fresh twist. These simple additions can make your salad pop. Adapting the salad to the season is fun. In summer, add fresh corn or bell peppers. In fall, roasted squash or pumpkin can add warmth. You could even adjust for holidays by using festive colors. Holiday themes like red and green veggies can make your salad special. The Avocado Lime Quinoa Salad stays fresh in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. Keep it in a tight container to prevent air from getting in. This helps keep the salad from getting mushy. If you notice the avocado turning brown, add a bit more lime juice. This can slow down browning. You can freeze Avocado Lime Quinoa Salad, but it’s best to avoid it. Avocado doesn't freeze well and can change in texture. If you must freeze it, do so without the avocado. Store the quinoa and veggies in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat quinoa, use a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place it in a bowl with a splash of water. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. On the stovetop, warm it in a pan with a little water over low heat. Stir until heated through. Quinoa tastes best warm, so enjoy it fresh! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. This helps the flavors blend well. If you want to meal prep, follow these tips: - Prepare the quinoa and let it cool. - Mix the dressing and store it separately. - Dice the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh. - You can combine the other veggies in advance. - Just add the dressing and avocado when you're ready to eat. Yes, quinoa is gluten-free. It is a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Quinoa is also packed with protein and fiber. Here’s a quick look at its nutritional benefits: - Protein: Contains all nine essential amino acids. - Fiber: Good for digestion and helps you feel full. - Vitamins and minerals: Includes iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. If you need a creamy ingredient, here are some great options: - Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess without the fat of avocado. - Silken tofu: A great vegan option, blends well into the salad. - Hummus: Offers a unique flavor and creamy texture. - Nut butter: Almond or cashew butter can work well too. These substitutes can keep your salad tasty and enjoyable. This blog post covered essential and optional ingredients for Avocado Lime Quinoa Salad. We explored step-by-step instructions and some handy tips. Seasoning and garnish can enhance flavor, while variations allow for personal touches. Don’t forget storage tips for freshness and meal prep for busy days. I hope this guide helps you create a tasty dish. Enjoy your salad adventures!$

Avocado Lime Quinoa Salad

A refreshing salad featuring quinoa, avocado, and a zesty lime dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Salad

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 ripe avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cucumber diced
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 limes Juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
to taste Salt and pepper
0.25 teaspoon cumin (optional)

Instructions

In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin (if using) in a small bowl. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring the avocado remains intact.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper as desired.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Keyword avocado, healthy, lime, quinoa, salad