Avocado and Quinoa Summer Salad with Citrus Dressing
A refreshing, nutrient-packed salad combining fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, and a bright citrus dressing perfect for a light summer meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads (mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes blends rinsed quinoa, water, large, diced ripe avocado into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, rinsed quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 large, diced ripe avocado
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 medium diced cucumber, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour the citrus dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring avocado remains intact.
- Step 5: Chill the salad for 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and serve cold as a light summer meal or side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Avocado and Quinoa Summer Salad with Citrus Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Avocado and Quinoa Summer Salad with Citrus Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado and Quinoa Summer Salad with Citrus Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Avocado and Quinoa Summer Salad with Citrus Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Avocado and Quinoa Summer Salad with Citrus Dressing?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
