Vibrant Summer Quinoa Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing
This Colorful Summer Quinoa Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing is a delightful blend of quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, zesty dressing. Bursting with vibrant colors and textures, it's the perfect healthy dish for summer picnics and meal prep alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 avocado diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear, about 2 minutes.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover.
- Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- While the quinoa cools, prepare the vegetables: dice the tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Chop the onions and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, all the chopped vegetables, and the avocado.
- Pour the avocado lime dressing over the salad and toss lightly to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy your salad with a squeeze of fresh lime on top!
Notes
For best results, try using fresh, ripe avocados and watch the quinoa closely while cooking. This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.