Quinoa fruit salad

Quinoa fruit salad is a very easy, tasty, and healthy summer salad perfect for picnics and potlucks. Loaded with cherries, apples, pears, pomegranate, and nuts you will want to make this incredible salad again and again.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Making time 5

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 209kcal

Author Vandana Chauhan

Equipment

1 cooking pot with lid
1 Pan
1 Large mixing bowl
1 small mixing bowl
Salad mixing spoon
Knife and chopping board

Ingredients

½ cup uncooked quinoa
1 cup water
1 cup chopped apples any variety
1 cup chopped pears
½ cup cherries pitted and halved
½ cup pomegranate arils
A handful of fresh mint leaves roughly chopped
¼ cup pine nuts

Ingredients for salad dressing

Juice of ½ an orange
Juice of ½ a lime
zest of 1 orange
zest of 1 lime
1 tablespoon maple syrup non vegans may use honey
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
Fresh ground pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Put quinoa in a large strainer and wash under running water for 1-2 minutes.
Put quinoa and ½ a cup of water in a pot. Cook uncovered until the water gets evaporated. Put on the lid, turn off the heat, and let it remain untouched for at least 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff with a fork.
Slightly toast the pine nuts in a pan and keep aside.
Mix all the ingredients of dressing in a small mixing bowl and keep it aside too.
Put the cooked quinoa in a large bowl. Add all the fruits, mint leaves, and toasted pine nuts. Pour the dressing and toss well.
Put in the refrigerator for around 30 minutes and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Any type of quinoa can be used in this salad.
Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.
Allow the quinoa to cool completely before mixing with the fruits.
Use seasonal fruits to create different versions throughout the year.
Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical variation.
If pine nuts are not available, use toasted walnuts, almonds, or any other nut of your choice. Even seeds like pumpkin seeds, chia seeds can be used.
Don't skip adding the salt. It will not only balance the sweetness of fruits and maple syrup but will also bring out the flavors of fruits.
Keep this salad in the fridge for at least an hour before serving so that quinoa soaks all the juices and flavors.
You can also add extra virgin olive oil to the salad dressing.
More recipe tips, tricks, and variation suggestions are shared in the post above. Please follow them to make this recipe.

Nutrition