Nutritious Quinoa Fruit Salad Recipe

This refreshing quinoa fruit salad combines the goodness of quinoa with a variety of fresh fruits, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish. It's perfect as a light meal or a side dish for gatherings.

The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite fruits and nuts. Quinoa adds protein and fiber, while the fruits provide vitamins and natural sweetness.

Overview of Quinoa Fruit Salad

This quinoa fruit salad is a delightful blend of health and flavor. The combination of cooked quinoa and a variety of fresh fruits creates a dish that is not only nutritious but also visually appealing. Rich in protein and fiber, quinoa serves as a perfect base for the vibrant fruits, making this salad a satisfying option for any meal.

Ingredients That Shine

The salad features an array of colorful ingredients, including strawberries, blueberries, diced apples, and orange segments. These fruits not only add natural sweetness but also provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. To enhance the texture and flavor, chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts are sprinkled on top, along with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch.

Preparation Steps

Preparing this quinoa fruit salad is straightforward and quick. Start by cooking the quinoa, which takes about 15 minutes, allowing it to cool while you prepare the fruits. Slicing the strawberries, dicing the apples, and segmenting the oranges can be done in just a few minutes, making this a perfect dish for a busy day.

Combining Flavors

Once the quinoa has cooled, combine it with the prepared fruits in a large bowl. Drizzling honey or maple syrup, if desired, along with a splash of lemon juice, adds a delightful zing to the salad. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure an even distribution of flavors without mashing the fruits.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion. Garnishing with chopped nuts and fresh mint leaves not only enhances the presentation but also adds a crunchy texture. It’s perfect as a light meal, a side dish for gatherings, or even a refreshing snack.

Nutritional Benefits

Each serving of this quinoa fruit salad is packed with nutrients. With approximately 210 calories, it offers a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. This dish is a great way to incorporate more fruits into your diet while enjoying the benefits of quinoa.

Healthy Quinoa Fruit Salad Recipe

This quinoa fruit salad features cooked quinoa mixed with a colorful assortment of fruits such as berries, apples, and citrus. The dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 apple, diced
• 1 orange, segmented
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Let it cool.
2. Prepare the Fruits: While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the fruits by slicing the strawberries, dicing the apple, and segmenting the orange.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, sliced strawberries, blueberries, diced apple, and orange segments.
4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if using, and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped nuts and fresh mint leaves, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 210kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 36g