Quinoa Mixed Salad Recipe

Cook quinoa

Place rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water in a small saucepan. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and spread on a tray to cool to room temperature or refrigerate briefly to speed cooling.

Prepare vegetables

While quinoa cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber (remove seeds if watery), finely chop red onion, and chop parsley and mint. Dice avocado just before assembly and toss with a small squeeze of lemon to prevent browning if not serving immediately.

Assemble base

If using salad greens, arrange them on a large serving bowl or platter. Add cooled quinoa on top or mix the quinoa with the greens depending on preference.

Combine salad components

Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, parsley, mint (if using), and toasted nuts to the quinoa (or greens + quinoa). Gently fold to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.

Add avocado and cheese

Fold in diced avocado and crumbled feta (if using) right before serving to keep textures fresh.

Season

Season the combined salad with the measured salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Wait to adjust final seasoning after dressing is added.

In a small bowl or jar, combine lemon juice, orange juice, vinegar, honey (or maple), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk or shake until honey is dissolved. Slowly drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil while whisking (or add oil to jar and shake vigorously) until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened.

Taste and adjust: add more lemon for brightness, a pinch more salt if needed, or a touch more honey for sweetness. The dressing should be bright, slightly sweet and tangy to complement quinoa and avocado.

Dress the salad: Pour about 3 tablespoons of dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat. Reserve any extra dressing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.