Imagine a salad so fresh, vibrant, and packed with nutrition that it turns your ordinary meal into a culinary adventure. Our Avocado Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Dressing is not just another recipe—it's a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, combining the creamy richness of ripe avocados, the nutty texture of quinoa, and the tangy punch of balsamic dressing. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers, busy professionals, and anyone craving a quick, delicious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup balsamic dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice 1 ripe avocado and place it in a large mixing bowl. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl as well.
- Next, finely dice 1/4 cup of red onion and add it to the mixing bowl with the avocado and cherry tomatoes.
- Once the quinoa has finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the mixing bowl with the vegetables.
- Drizzle 1/4 cup of balsamic dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined, being careful not to mash the avocado.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve the Avocado Quinoa Salad chilled or at room temperature, garnishing with additional balsamic dressing or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Quinoa Rinsing is Key: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating (saponin) which can taste bitter.
- Avocado Freshness Matters: Choose ripe but firm avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- Dressing Technique: Add balsamic dressing gradually and toss gently to prevent avocado from getting mushy.
- Prep Ahead: This salad can be made in advance, but add avocados just before serving to maintain their fresh texture.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or tofu, or sprinkle some toasted nuts for extra crunch.
- Temperature Tip: Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 166kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
