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This orange quinoa salad is healthy, filling, and anything but boring! Tossed in tahini dressing, it’s a summer salad that outshines the usual sides.
Fuel up with quinoa, crunchy veggies, and juicy oranges! This citrus quinoa salad is as nourishing as it is vibrant.
With crunchy veggies, fresh citrus fruits, and creamy dressing, this summer salad is perfect if you want something refreshingly different!
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Want more salads that won’t just sit on the side? Hot girl summer salad and Asian cucumber salad are meant to steal the show!
Why You’ll Love This Orange Quinoa Salad Recipe
- This quinoa salad is easy to make but full of flavor!
- With whole grain, veggies, and fruits, this orange quinoa salad is nutritious and filling.
- Crisp, bright, and colorful, this citrus quinoa salad is perfect for summer get-togethers!
Ingredients And Substitutions
Red cabbage – No soggy salads here! We’ll use cabbage as our base for this orange quinoa salad. You can also use green cabbage.
Parsley and cucumber – Together with orange segments, fresh parsley and cucumber make this citrus quinoa salad not only satisfying but also refreshing for summer.
Carrots – For color, crunch, and of course, extra nutrients. For a hearty, healthy salad, add shelled edamame and more green veggies like Bok Choy!
Quinoa – We used white quinoa, but for a beautiful salad, you can also use tri-color quinoa.
Orange – You can use vitamin C-packed navel oranges, mandarins, or clementines.
Nori sheets – The umami flavor complements the fresh flavors of the salad ingredients!
Tahini, honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce – Creamy, nutty, sweet, savory, and citrusy, this tahini dressing completes the crisp, citrus quinoa salad perfectly.
You can also just use extra-virgin olive oil, lime juice, sea salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper!
Tips For Making This Recipe
Rinse Your Quinoa
Why is my quinoa soapy? It’s because of its saponin coating! Make sure to rinse your quinoa before cooking.
Toast the Quinoa
This step is optional, but consider toasting your quinoa after rinsing and draining it. This will make it less sticky and help the quinoa develop a delicious nutty flavor.
Cool the Quinoa
While some prefer using warm quinoa to help it soak up the dressing, we suggest letting the cooked quinoa come to room temperature before tossing the orange quinoa salad together. This way, it won’t affect the texture of the other ingredients!
Citrus Quinoa Salad Recipe FAQs
What salad dressing goes well with quinoa?
We used a creamy tahini dressing, but the fluffy, crunchy textures of this orange quinoa salad will also go well with a simple vinaigrette.
Is it okay to eat quinoa salad every day?
While quinoa is a good source of nutrients, it’s better to consult your healthcare provider, as everyone’s dietary needs are different.
Is quinoa salad healthy for weight loss?
Because it’s high in fiber, this orange quinoa salad can help you feel full longer. That makes it a great option for anyone trying to avoid overeating and lose weight!
How much liquid do I need to cook quinoa?
For this citrus quinoa salad recipe, you can use 1 and 3/4 cups of water to cook 1 cup of quinoa.
How to keep quinoa from getting mushy?
Don’t overcook it, make sure to strain it well, and let it sit off the heat for 10 to 15 minutes so your quinoa stays fluffy instead of turning soggy.
More Delicious Salad Recipes
- Nigerian Salad
- Quinoa Black Bean Salad
- Spiced Chickpea Kale Salad
- Red White and Blue Fruit Salad
- Summer Fruit Salad
I found this recipe for California Quinoa Avocado Salad that I HAVE to try!
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Orange Quinoa Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup cucumber, cut into sticks
- 2 carrots, sliced thinly
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 orange, cut into segments
- 2 tbsp nori sheets, cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Combine tahini, honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce in a small bowl.
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
- Add the quinoa, vegetables, oranges, and seaweed pieces to a bowl.
- Gently toss with the dressing until combined, and you’re done!
Notes
- Why is my quinoa soapy? It’s because of its saponin coating! Make sure to rinse your quinoa before cooking.
- This step is optional, but consider toasting your quinoa after rinsing and draining it. This will make it less sticky and help the quinoa develop a delicious nutty flavor.
- While some prefer using warm quinoa to help it soak up the dressing, we suggest letting the cooked quinoa come to room temperature before tossing the orange quinoa salad together. This way, it won’t affect the texture of the other ingredients!
Nutrition
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