Citrus Quinoa Salad

If you are craving a flavor explosion with every bite, this Citrus Quinoa Salad is just what you need! This vibrant salad combines nutty quinoa with a burst of citrus magic. It is perfect for those days when you crave something light yet filling. Whether you are enjoying a quiet lunch or impressing guests at your weekend brunch; this Citrus Quinoa Salad is your go-to for a quick, nutritious, and utterly delicious meal. Let's dive into the freshness! 🍋🥗✨

Course Salad

Cuisine American, Gluten Free, Healthy, Quinoa

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings

Calories 415kcal

Author Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa rinsed
3 cups spinach chopped
1 carrot peeled and shredded
½ cup dried cranberries
1 lime zested
1 orange zested, peeled, and sectioned

Dressing

¼ cup orange juice fresh squeezed
2 tablespoons lime juice fresh squeezed
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar or rice wine vinegar
1 shallot diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon maple syrup
¼ cup olive oil
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Balsamic Walnuts

1 cup walnuts
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

Combine rinsed quinoa and 1 ½ cups water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a simmering boil over medium.
Reduce to low, cover and cook for 25 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit for another 5 minutes. Cool slightly.

Make Walnuts

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Stir together vinegar and maple syrup in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low until simmering, about 8 minutes.
Remove from heat and toss walnuts in the vinegar mixture.
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes.

Make Salad

Combine spinach, carrot, cranberries, orange and zest in a large bowl. When quinoa is slightly cool toss with spinach mixture.

Make Dressing

Combine orange juice, lime juice, shallot, garlic, agave nectar and vinegar in a small bowl. Add in olive oil in a steady stream. Season with salt and pepper.

To Serve

Toss salad with desired amount of dressing and top with walnuts.

Nutrition