Are you ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure? This Quinoa Fruit Salad with Sweet Lime Dressing is not just a recipe—it's a vibrant, nutritious explosion of flavors that will transport your senses to a tropical paradise. Imagine a dish that combines the protein-packed goodness of quinoa with the juicy sweetness of fresh fruits, all brought together by a tantalizing lime dressing that will make your mouth water. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a food lover, or someone looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is about to become your new summer obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup mango, diced
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the fruit. Slice the strawberries, dice the mango, and measure out the blueberries. Place all the fruit in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey until well combined. This will create the sweet lime dressing for the salad.
- Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl with the mixed fruit. Pour the sweet lime dressing over the quinoa and fruit.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until the quinoa and fruit are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh mint over the salad and give it one last gentle toss to incorporate the mint.
- Serve the quinoa fruit salad immediately, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. Enjoy!
Tips
- Quinoa Rinsing is Key: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating (saponin) which can cause a bitter taste.
- Perfect Quinoa Texture: Let the quinoa rest for 5 minutes after cooking and fluff with a fork to achieve that light, fluffy consistency.
- Fruit Selection: Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best flavor. Feel free to substitute with seasonal fruits of your choice.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk the lime juice and honey until completely integrated for a smooth, well-balanced dressing.
- Chill for Flavor: For an enhanced taste, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Mint Matters: Use fresh mint for a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
