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Quinoa Fruit Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette

Name: Quinoa Fruit Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa (cooked and cooled); 5 oz baby arugula; 2 cups strawberries (quartered); 1 cup blueberries; 1 cup sweet corn; ¼ cup sliced almonds; 2 green onions (chopped); 18-20 mint leaves (chopped); ⅓ cup Natalie’s tangerine juice; 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar; 2 tsp maple syrup; 1 tsp dijon mustard; ¼ tsp sea salt

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This Quinoa Fruit Salad is paired with the most delicious Tangerine Vinaigrette - Trust me, it's so good you'll want to drink it! This salad combines your favorite summer berries, fresh greens, the perfect amount of crunch and quinoa to satisfy and refresh all summer long! Perfect for any occasion, this salad is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and to everyone you share it with.

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Quinoa Fruit Salad

If you’re looking for a refreshing and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any summer occasion, this Quinoa Fruit Salad is your answer. Inspired by all the vibrant and fresh flavors of summer; this salad is a delightful mix of fluffy quinoa, fresh berries, and a tangy oil free tangerine vinaigrette dressing that brings everything together beautifully. Whether you’re enjoying it poolside, at a family picnic, or as a light lunch, this salad is sure to become a family favorite. Packed with essential nutrients and bursting with color and flavor, it’s a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.

This Quinoa Fruit Salad is incredibly versatile, easy to make and easy to customize. It will be your new go-to salad recipe for those busy summer days. The combination of sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, and crunchy quinoa creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The addition of a zesty tangerine vinaigrette dressing elevates the salad to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re a seasoned quinoa lover or new to this superfood, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Quinoa Fruit Salad Ingredients

Quinoa: Quinoa serves as the hearty base of this salad, providing a nutty flavor and a fluffy texture. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential amino acids, making it a superfood staple. For a different twist, you could substitute with couscous or farro, though quinoa’s nutrient density is hard to beat.
Baby Arugula: Adds a peppery bite and leafy green goodness. Arugula is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and provides a nice contrast to the sweet fruits. Spinach or mixed greens would also work in combination or instead of arugula. You can never have too much greens so feel free to use as much or as little as you’d like for this recipe – it’s a quick and easy way to get your daily dose.
Strawberries: Strawberries add a sweet and tangy flavor, along with a bright red color. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and manganese. Raspberries or blackberries can be used as substitutes or in addition.
Blueberries: Blueberries bring a burst of sweetness and are packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fiber. They add a beautiful blue hue to the salad and a burst of juicy flavor.
Sweet Corn: Adds a bit of crunch and sweetness. Corn is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, enhancing the nutritional value of the salad.
Sliced Almonds: Almonds add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. They are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. For a nut-free version, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Green Onions: Provide a mild onion flavor that balances the sweetness of the fruits. Green onions are low in calories but high in vitamins A and C.
Mint Leaves: Mint leaves add a refreshing flavor and aroma. Mint is also known for its digestive benefits and is rich in nutrients like vitamin A and antioxidants.

Tangerine Vinaigrette Ingredients

Natalie’s Tangerine Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor that ties the dressing together. It’s also packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Freshly squeezed orange juice can be used as a substitute if tangerine juice isn’t available.
White Balsamic Vinegar: White balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and tang, balancing the flavors of the dressing without overpowering them. It also helps to emulsify the dressing.
Maple Syrup: Provides a natural sweetness that complements the tanginess of the tangerine and vinegar without refined sugars.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a slight tang and helps emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth and creamy texture. It also adds a depth of flavor that enhances the other ingredients.

How to Cook Quinoa

This is one of those grains that people often ask me how to cook, and I’m here to let you know that cooking quinoa is so much easier than you think – just follow these quick instructions!

Rinse the Quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter.

Toast the Quinoa: This step is optional but adding the quinoa to the dry saucepan and toasting for 60 seconds before adding any water can help bring out a deeper, nuttier flavor to this superfood.

Combine with Water: For every cup of quinoa, use two cups of water. Bring to a boil. Some people use vegetable broth instead of water, add salt or herbs for additional flavor. I like to keep it simple most of the time!

Simmer & Fluff: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.

How to Make Berry Quinoa Salad

This quinoa fruit salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Follow these simple steps to prepare this vibrant dish:

Cook and Cool Quinoa

Start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions or my directions above. Once cooked, drain any excess water and spread the quinoa on a baking sheet to cool completely. This step is crucial as cooling the quinoa ensures that it doesn’t make the salad soggy when mixed with the other ingredients.

Prepare the Salad Ingredients and Dressing

While the quinoa is cooling, prep your salad ingredients. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with baby arugula, quartered strawberries, blueberries, sweet corn, sliced almonds, chopped green onions, and chopped mint leaves. For the dressing, add Natalie’s tangerine juice, white balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, and sea salt to a jar. Use a hand frother to whisk the ingredients until emulsified and creamy. If you don’t have a frother, whisking by hand with a fork will also work, though it may not achieve the same level of creaminess.

Assemble and Serve the Salad

Pour the freshly made dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything together to ensure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients. This salad can be enjoyed immediately for the freshest flavor, but for a more melded taste, you can refrigerate it for up to an hour before serving. If you choose to make this salad ahead, I would suggest adding the sliced almonds and arugula just before serving to ensure they are as crispy as possible! Enjoy this easy quinoa salad as a main dish, side dish, or meal prep option for your week.

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a seed that is often classified as a whole grain. Originating from South America, quinoa has been a staple food for thousands of years. Quinoa is known for its nutty flavor and fluffy texture, making it a popular ingredient in various dishes, including salads, bowls, and main dishes.

Different Types of Quinoa

White Quinoa: The most common type, with a mild flavor and fluffy texture.
Red Quinoa: Slightly nuttier and chewier than white quinoa, it holds its shape well after cooking.
Black Quinoa: Has an earthier flavor and a slightly crunchy texture compared to white and red quinoa.
Tri-Color Quinoa: A blend of white, red, and black quinoa, offering a mix of flavors and textures.

Why Make this Quinoa Salad

What reason do you have not to make this salad? It comes together in under 30 minutes, all the ingredients are easy to find and likely already in your house AND it’s a perfect meal prep option! The Tangerine Vinaigrette is obsessively delicious, the combination of textures from the crunchy almond slices to the juicy burst of blueberries and everything in between makes this salad so good you’ll be making it over and over again. It screams summer with all its fresh ingredients and the combination of superfood quinoa and all the nutrients from the other ingredients will keep you satiated and energized for hours.

Is it possible for a salad to cool you off? I’m not sure but this salad is so refreshing on a hot summer day, you won’t want anything else! The natural sugars keep you feeling vital and all the ingredients are light but fulfilling – it’s a repeat recipe for sure! Enjoy it as a main dish, side dish, or meal prep option. Whether you’re by the pool, at a BBQ, or having a picnic, this quinoa salad is a delightful and healthy choice.

Benefits of Quinoa

High in Protein: Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans or anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
Rich in Fiber: It’s high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Packed with Nutrients: Quinoa is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, iron, and B vitamins.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten free, quinoa is suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Filled with Antioxidants: The antioxidants in quinoa help protect the body from harmful free radicals.
Low Glycemic Index: Its low glycemic index helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a smart choice for those managing diabetes or looking to maintain steady energy levels.

Quinoa Salad Tips

Making the perfect quinoa salad is easy with a few simple tips. First, always rinse your quinoa before cooking to remove the bitter outer coating known as saponin. Cooking quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water can add extra flavor but this is totally not necessary. Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing it with fresh ingredients to prevent wilting and sogginess. When making the dressing, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed for a balanced flavor. Lastly, mix your salad gently to avoid mashing the delicate fruits and vegetables.

Quinoa Fruit Salad Storage

Storing your Quinoa Fruit Salad properly will keep it fresh and delicious for longer. After preparing the salad, place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor. This way, the ingredients remain crisp and the salad retains its vibrant, fresh taste.

Other Healthy Quinoa Salad Recipes

If you enjoyed this quinoa fruit salad leave a review and rating below! Be sure to check out these other healthy quinoa salad recipes:

Harvest Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Corn Layered Salad

Kale Quinoa Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

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