Brighten up your meal routine with this Pear and Avocado Quinoa Salad—an irresistible blend of fresh, wholesome ingredients that's as vibrant in flavor as it is in color. Perfectly fluffy quinoa serves as the hearty base, paired with sweet, juicy pears, creamy avocado, and a crisp mix of baby spinach or greens. Crunchy walnuts and a hint of sharp red onion add texture, while a zesty homemade dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and honey ties everything together in a symphony of sweet and savory goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this nutrient-packed salad is ideal for a healthy lunch or a light side dish. Whether served fresh or chilled, it’s a refreshing dish that highlights the best of seasonal ingredients and makes clean eating effortlessly delicious.
Begin by thoroughly rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh sieve to remove any bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed.
Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
Wash and dry the pears. Slice them into thin wedges, removing the core.
Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice it into cubes. Set aside.
Thinly slice the red onion and roughly chop the walnuts.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, baby spinach or mixed greens, sliced pears, avocado cubes, red onion, and walnuts.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything until well combined and evenly coated.
Serve immediately as a fresh, nutritious meal, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Calories |
1926 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 123.2 g | 158% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.5 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 36.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1867 mg | 81% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 183.1 g | 67% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.7 g | 110% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.8 g | ||
| Protein | 40.4 g | 81% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 234 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 10.3 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 2153 mg | 46% | |
*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.