Orange Quinoa Salad
Bright, refreshing, and bursting with citrusy flavor, this Orange Quinoa Salad is a vibrant dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, juicy orange segments, crisp red bell pepper, cooling cucumber, and aromatic mint, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Tossed in a tangy homemade orange vinaigrette with a touch of honey, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled proteins, or a make-ahead meal for summer gatherings. Gluten-free and loaded with wholesome ingredients, this salad is a must-try for lovers of fresh and healthful recipes. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a satisfying and refreshing bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 large orange
- 0.25 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 0.5 red bell pepper
- 0.5 cucumber
- 0.25 red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30 seconds to remove any bitterness. Drain well.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed.
Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.
While the quinoa cools, zest and peel the orange. Cut the orange segments into bite-sized pieces, removing any seeds.
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper to create the vinaigrette.
Dice the red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion into small pieces. Chop the fresh mint leaves finely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, orange segments, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, diced red onion, and chopped mint.
Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the quinoa mixture and toss everything together gently until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
160 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.8 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 254 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.2 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 3.0 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 48 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 253 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
