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Quinoa and Avocado Salad Recipe

Quinoa and Avocado Salad Recipe - Simple Easy Meals

It’s a sunny afternoon at my home, and I can smell the faintest hint of culinary creativity wafting in the air. As someone who adores vibrant flavors and nutritious meals, I often find myself experimenting with fresh ingredients in my kitchen.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Sauces & Dressings
Cuisine: American
Calories: 211

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 7 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed and roughly chopped 5 ounces
  • 1 cup uncooked white quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 2 large ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
  • 1 1/2 cups ripe cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if larger 8 ounces
  • 1 1/2 cups Persian or English cucumbers, sliced into half moons
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional and adjusted to taste
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, optional but recommended for freshness
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers, chopped for a smoky-sweet flavor boost
Dressing
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large lemon Juice and zest for added brightness
  • 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard not regular mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness
  • 1 clove garlic, minced or finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
  1. First things first: let’s get the quinoa cooked. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. When it’s done, you’ll see tiny white spirals. That’s the magic of quinoa! Fluff it up with a fork and let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
  1. While the quinoa cools, chop up your veggies. Slice the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the red onion. The colors should start coming together beautifully. And don’t forget to chop the cilantro or parsley. Fresh herbs really amp up the flavor!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and oregano. Add a good pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it—balance is key. If it’s too tart for your liking, add a bit more honey. It’s all about your preference!
Step 4: Combine Everything
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and roasted red bell peppers. Gently fold in the diced avocados and crumbled feta. Be careful; you don’t want a mushy mess!
Step 5: Dress It Up
  1. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss everything together with love. The goal is to coat each bit without crushing the avocados. Finally, garnish with fresh herbs. Voilà! You now have a salad that's not just a showstopper but also packed with health benefits.

Notes

  • Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa before cooking it. This removes the saponins, which can taste bitter.
  • Use Ripe Avocados: Choose avocados that yield slightly to pressure. Overripe avocados can create a mushy texture, while underripe ones may be too firm.
  • Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Batch Cooking: Make a larger quantity of quinoa to use in other meals throughout the week.
  • Add Protein: For a heartier meal, toss in black beans, chickpeas, or grilled chicken.