Are you ready to elevate your salad game with a burst of vibrant flavors and textures? Introducing the Citrus Quinoa Salad with Toasted Almonds—a refreshing, gluten-free, and vegan dish that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also leave you feeling energized and satisfied. With its colorful medley of fresh citrus and crunchy almonds, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side dish at your next gathering. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1 grapefruit, segmented
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool completely.
- Carefully segment the orange and grapefruit, removing all membranes and catching any excess juice in the bowl.
- Add citrus segments, chopped parsley, and toasted almonds to the cooled quinoa.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to preference.
- Chill for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don't skip the rinsing step! This removes the natural coating called saponin, which can give quinoa a bitter taste. A thorough rinse under cold water will ensure a deliciously nutty flavor.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: To achieve that light and fluffy texture, let the quinoa sit covered for an additional 5 minutes after cooking. Fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Toast Those Almonds: Toasting the almonds not only enhances their flavor but also adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly—just a few minutes over medium heat will do the trick!
- Citrus Segmentation: For a beautiful presentation, take your time when segmenting the orange and grapefruit. Use a sharp knife to remove the membranes, which will leave you with juicy, bite-sized pieces.
- Let It Chill: Allowing the salad to chill for 15-20 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully. This step is key to achieving a well-balanced taste!
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing to your liking. If you love a citrusy punch, add more lemon juice; if you prefer it a bit richer, drizzle in extra olive oil.
- Add Extra Veggies: Don’t hesitate to throw in some extra veggies like diced cucumber or bell peppers for added color and nutrition!Enjoy making this delightful Citrus Quinoa Salad and watch it become a staple in your recipe collection!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
