Citrus-Infused Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Mint

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing quinoa salad tossed with creamy avocado, zesty citrus, and fresh mint for a light, nutritious meal or side. This mediterranean-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs quinoa, water, avocado for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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 water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork; let cool to room temperature.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa with 1 diced medium avocado, 1 large segmented orange, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Infused Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Mint take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Infused Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Mint?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Infused Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Mint?

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 Citrus-Infused Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Mint 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 Citrus-Infused Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Mint?

Mediterranean vegan 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.

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