Zesty Spiced Citrus Quinoa Salad: A Flavorful Delight

Today’s Culinary Invention: Spiced Citrus Quinoa Salad

Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for a refreshing and zesty Spiced Citrus Quinoa Salad. As the weather warms up, I find myself craving light and vibrant dishes that are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. This salad is a perfect balance of tangy citrus, warm spices, and hearty quinoa — a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• quinoa (200g)
• orange, segmented (1)
• grapefruit, segmented (1)
• fresh mint leaves, chopped (handful)
• pistachios, roughly chopped (50g)
• olive oil (30ml)
• fresh lemon juice (30ml)
• ground cumin (1 tsp)
• ground coriander (1 tsp)
• salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools:

• saucepan
• knife
• cutting board
• citrus juicer
• mixing bowl

Start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions in a saucepan. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, orange segments, grapefruit segments, chopped mint leaves, and pistachios.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning to your preference.

Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. The citrus juices will infuse the quinoa with a bright and refreshing taste, while the spices add a hint of warmth and complexity.

Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can sprinkle some extra pistachios and mint leaves on top for a beautiful presentation.

Serving:

This Spiced Citrus Quinoa Salad weighs approximately 800g in total. It serves 4 people, with each serving weighing around 200g. One serving is estimated to be around 250 calories, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal or side dish.

One clever tip for this salad is to refrigerate any leftovers overnight. The flavors will continue to develop, and the salad will have an even more intense taste the next day. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for busy weekdays or picnics.

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Spiced Citrus Quinoa Salad with your loved ones. Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits, nuts, or herbs to make it your own. Bon appétit!