Bright Citrus Quinoa Salad

Name: Bright Citrus Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups water; 1 orange, segmented; 1 grapefruit, segmented; 1 lemon, juiced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Highlighted under: Fit & Flavorful Recipes

I love making this Bright Citrus Quinoa Salad when I need a refreshing dish that's packed with flavor. The vibrant colors of the citrus fruits coupled with the fluffy quinoa create a visually stunning salad that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side for dinner, and it’s quick to whip up in just 20 minutes! A bright, zesty dressing ties everything together, making it a hit at any gathering.

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2026-01-13T12:01:31.185Z

When I first tried this Bright Citrus Quinoa Salad, I was amazed at how simple ingredients like oranges and lemons could evoke such freshness. I learned that to enhance the flavors, it's best to use a mix of citrus fruits, which add layers of taste and color. Each bite is a burst of flavor that brightens up any meal.

My tip for keeping the quinoa fluffy is to rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, which can make it sticky. This little detail made a significant difference, and now I can enjoy a perfectly textured salad every time!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Refreshing citrus flavors that awaken your palate
Nutritious quinoa packed with protein and fiber
Quick preparation makes it perfect for busy days

      

Understanding Quinoa

Quinoa is not only a fantastic source of protein, but it also boasts a complete amino acid profile, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. When cooked properly, quinoa has a light, fluffy texture with a slightly nutty flavor. To achieve this, ensure you rinse the grain thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can lend a bitter taste. This simple step is crucial for enhancing the overall flavor of your Bright Citrus Quinoa Salad.

When cooking quinoa, the ratio of water to quinoa is key. The standard is 2:1, but feel free to experiment slightly based on your desired texture. If you prefer a chewier bite, you can reduce the water slightly. Keep an eye on it as it cooks – you’ll know it’s ready when the grains have absorbed all the water and have popped open, revealing their germ. Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork to separate the grains and avoid a mushy consistency.

Citrus Varieties and Substitutions

The combination of orange and grapefruit in this salad not only provides a beautiful mix of colors but also a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. If you’d like to switch things up, consider using mandarin segments or blood oranges for a sweeter twist. Lemon or lime zest can also enhance the citrus flavor, bringing an extra zing to the dish. Each fruit will impart its unique flavor profile, enriching the salad in different ways.

Don't hesitate to add other seasonal fruits or vegetables to the salad for additional texture and taste. Pomegranate seeds can add a lovely crunch and burst of sweetness, while diced cucumber offers a refreshing crunch. Just be sure to keep the citrus flavors front and center; choose complementary ingredients that harmonize without overpowering the bright, zesty essence of the dish.

Ingredients

For the Salad

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
1 orange, segmented
1 grapefruit, segmented
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, orange, grapefruit segments, red onion, and parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Season and Serve

Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Pro Tips

Try adding avocado or nuts for extra texture and nutrition. This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to serve this salad at an upcoming gathering or event, consider making it a few hours in advance. The flavors will meld and intensify if stored in the refrigerator. However, I'd recommend keeping the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the quinoa from absorbing too much moisture and becoming soggy. This way, the salad retains a lovely texture when you’re ready to enjoy it.

For longer storage, you can prepare and store the components of the salad separately. The cooked quinoa can last in the refrigerator for up to five days, while the citrus segments are best used fresh. Prepare the dressing ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week—it will help speed up assembly when you’re ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This Bright Citrus Quinoa Salad shines as a stand-alone dish, but it also makes an excellent side for grilled meats or seafood. The zesty flavors complement proteins wonderfully, elevating the overall meal experience. Consider pairing it with grilled chicken or as a refreshing counterpart to spicy shrimp tacos, harnessing the salad's cooling properties and vibrant tastes.

For a heartier option, turn this refreshing salad into a meal by adding a protein source such as chickpeas or grilled tofu. This not only increases the nutrition profile but also creates a more satisfying dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Topping with avocado slices or crumbled feta cheese can also bring an additional layer of creaminess that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute quinoa with brown rice or farro for a different texture and flavor.

→ How can I make this salad vegan?

Simply use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing, and it's perfect for a vegan diet.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is a gluten-free grain, making this salad suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

→ Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would be excellent additions for more protein.