Quinoa Avocado Salad with Lime

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

A refreshing, protein-packed salad featuring fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, and zesty lime dressing for a light yet satisfying meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan-friendly) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Quinoa, Avocado, Cherry tomatoes into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa and cook in 2 cups water according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, 2 diced avocados, 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 1/2 thinly sliced red onion.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tbsp lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Add 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Step 5: Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional cilantro and lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quinoa Avocado Salad with Lime take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Quinoa Avocado Salad with Lime?

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 Quinoa Avocado Salad with Lime?

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 Quinoa Avocado Salad with Lime 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.

Is Quinoa Avocado Salad with Lime vegan-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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