Delicious and healthy Citrus Quinoa Salad with fresh clementine oranges, creamy avocado, crunchy pistachios, and tangy goat cheese, drizzled with a bright citrus vinaigrette.

Experience a burst of freshness with our vibrant Citrus Quinoa Salad, featuring juicy clementine oranges, crunchy roasted pistachios, velvety avocado, and a choice of creamy goat or feta cheese. This delightful salad is perfectly complemented by a sweet and tangy homemade citrus vinaigrette.

Looking for more healthy and flavorful quinoa creations? Explore our other popular recipes like this Avocado Quinoa Salad with its bright lemon vinaigrette, or the incredibly satisfying Kale and Quinoa Salad – both cherished favorites on our site.

Contents

Brighten Your Plate: The Ultimate Citrus Quinoa Salad

After a season of indulgence, many of us find ourselves craving meals that are not only delicious but also genuinely nourishing. January often marks a pivot towards lighter, healthier eating, and there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a substantial, flavor-packed salad to refresh your palate and invigorate your body. This Citrus Quinoa Salad is designed to do exactly that – it’s a delightful antidote to culinary excesses, offering a perfect blend of nutrients, textures, and bright, uplifting flavors.

This recipe became a personal favorite after a particularly festive December, filled with an abundance of sweet treats. My sister’s wedding just after Christmas meant two days dedicated to baking hundreds of cookies – think delightful Snickerdoodles, rich Toffee Cookies, and decadent Caramel Chocolate Cookies, all eagerly taste-tested! After such a sugary marathon, the simple, clean flavors of a vibrant salad became an irresistible desire. This Citrus Quinoa Salad emerged as the perfect solution, helping to reset and rebalance with its wholesome goodness.

It’s time to swap out those sugary cravings for something truly spectacular. This salad doesn’t just promise health; it delivers an explosion of taste and texture that will make you forget all about those holiday treats. The combination of sweet citrus, crunchy pistachios, creamy avocado, and hearty quinoa creates a symphony of flavors that is both satisfying and incredibly light.

Quinoa: The Superfood Foundation of Your Salad

At the heart of this vibrant salad lies quinoa, a truly remarkable grain (technically a seed) renowned for its nutritional prowess. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for vegetarian and vegan diets, or simply for anyone looking to boost their protein intake. Beyond protein, it’s packed with fiber, iron, magnesium, B vitamins, and manganese, contributing to digestive health, sustained energy, and overall well-being. Its mild, slightly nutty flavor and delightful texture make it an ideal base for absorbing the zesty notes of our citrus dressing and complementing the other fresh ingredients.

For this Citrus Quinoa Salad, using perfectly cooked and thoroughly cooled quinoa is key. Whether you’re cooking it fresh or utilizing leftovers, a few simple tips will ensure your quinoa is fluffy and delicious, never watery or mushy. You can also consult our comprehensive guide on how to cook quinoa for more detailed instructions.

Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse uncooked quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer for about 30 seconds to a minute. This crucial step removes saponin, a natural coating that can impart a bitter, soapy taste.
Perfect Steaming: After the quinoa has absorbed all the cooking liquid, resist the urge to immediately uncover it. Instead, let it stand, covered, off the heat for at least 10 minutes. This steaming period allows the grains to fully “pop” and become light and fluffy, preventing a watery or clumpy texture.
Cool Completely: For the best salad texture, ensure your cooked quinoa is completely cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients. Warm quinoa can wilt delicate greens and alter the salad’s crispness.
Choose Your Greens: We love the variety and delicate bite of mixed greens in this Citrus Quinoa Salad, but feel free to experiment. Baby spinach or even a finely chopped kale would also be fantastic choices, adding their own unique nutritional profiles and textures.

Quick Tip for Cooling Quinoa

To significantly speed up the quinoa cooling process, spread the freshly cooked and fluffed quinoa in a thin, even layer onto a baking sheet. Place the sheet pan in the refrigerator (or even the freezer for a few minutes) for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches room temperature. My absolute favorite method for making a quinoa salad is to use leftover, chilled quinoa. It makes the assembly process incredibly fast and efficient! So, the next time you’re preparing quinoa for dinner or weekly meal prep, consider cooking a little extra. Store it in the fridge, and it will be perfectly ready for this delightful Citrus Quinoa Salad whenever you crave it.

Crafting the Perfect Zesty Citrus Vinaigrette

No salad is complete without a stellar dressing, and this Citrus Quinoa Salad boasts a vinaigrette that truly elevates every bite. It’s a harmonious blend – simple yet sophisticated, with a mild garlic undertone, a touch of sweetness from honey, and a vibrant tang from fresh citrus. This dressing isn’t just a complement; it’s the finishing touch that ties all the diverse flavors of the salad together, creating a cohesive and unforgettable culinary experience.

Making this vinaigrette is incredibly straightforward. You’ll simply combine all the ingredients in a Mason jar, seal it tightly, and give it a vigorous shake to emulsify everything into a smooth, cohesive dressing. For those who frequently work with citrus, a dedicated citrus juicer can be a game-changer, effortlessly extracting every last drop of juice from your lemons and oranges in seconds, making prep even quicker.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tip for Your Vinaigrette

This versatile dressing can be prepared in advance, allowing you to save precious time on busy days. Just be sure to give it another good shake right before you drizzle it over your Citrus Quinoa Salad. Any leftover dressing, or batches made ahead, should be stored in the refrigerator. Don’t be alarmed if the dressing appears to separate or solidify when chilled; this is a natural occurrence for olive oil at cold temperatures. Simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then shake it vigorously once more to fully re-combine and restore its smooth consistency.

Key Ingredients & Flavor Harmony in Your Citrus Quinoa Salad

Each component of this Citrus Quinoa Salad plays a vital role in creating its balanced and delightful flavor profile. From the creamy textures to the satisfying crunch and refreshing zest, every ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute to a truly exceptional salad experience.

Avocados: These provide an exquisite, buttery creaminess that beautifully contrasts the quinoa’s texture and the citrus’s tang. The secret to a truly outstanding avocado addition is selecting perfectly ripe ones – their rich, smooth flesh makes a monumental difference. Learn how to pick a ripe avocado here to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
Pistachios: We recommend using dry-roasted and lightly salted pistachios. They offer a fantastic crunch and a slightly savory, nutty depth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the oranges. Opting for shelled pistachios can also significantly reduce your prep time, making assembly even quicker.
Oranges: Clementines are our top choice when in season due to their vibrant sweetness and easy-to-peel nature. If clementines aren’t available, a can of well-drained mandarin oranges works as a convenient and equally delicious alternative. Just be sure to thoroughly drain them to avoid excess liquid in your salad.
Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese is a personal favorite, lending a distinct tangy and creamy element that is simply divine in this salad. For those who prefer a milder flavor or a firmer texture, feta cheese is a fantastic substitute. And if you’re dairy-intolerant or simply prefer a plant-based option, rest assured that this Citrus Quinoa Salad remains incredibly delicious and satisfying even without cheese.

Customizing Your Citrus Quinoa Salad: Delicious Variations

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt recipes to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. This Citrus Quinoa Salad is incredibly versatile, offering many avenues for customization to make it uniquely yours.

Boosting Protein: While quinoa is a powerhouse of plant-based protein (a single cup of cooked quinoa boasts an impressive 24 grams!), you might desire additional protein for a more substantial meal. Consider adding perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, flaked salmon, or thinly sliced grilled flank steak to transform this side salad into a robust main course. Cooked chickpeas or black beans also make excellent plant-based protein boosters.
Nut Alternatives & Additions: If pistachios aren’t your preference, or if you have a nut allergy, feel free to omit them entirely. Delicious alternatives include dried cranberries or tart cherries for a chewy sweetness, or even crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free crunch. Alternatively, swap out the pistachios for other nuts like toasted pecans, slivered almonds, or even walnuts to explore different flavor profiles.
Exploring Fruit & Vegetable Swaps: While citrus is central to this salad, you can certainly experiment with other fruits or vegetables. For a unique twist, try incorporating roasted beets instead of oranges. The earthy sweetness of roasted beets pairs beautifully with goat cheese and the tangy dressing. You can find more details on roasting beets in our beet and goat cheese salad recipe. Other ideas include pomegranate seeds for extra crunch and tartness, or even finely diced apple for a different kind of crispness.
Herbal Freshness: Fresh herbs can elevate any salad. A sprinkle of fresh mint, cilantro, or parsley can add another layer of aromatic freshness to your Citrus Quinoa Salad.

Citrus Quinoa Salad: Smart Storage for Lasting Freshness

To ensure your Citrus Quinoa Salad remains at its peak freshness and texture, proper storage is crucial. Once dressed, the delicate mixed greens and other ingredients can become soggy over time. Therefore, we highly recommend a strategic approach to dressing and assembly.

Only dress the portion of salad you plan to enjoy immediately. This simple rule will preserve the crispness of your greens and the integrity of all the fresh components. For best results and to minimize food waste, follow these storage guidelines:

Store Dressing Separately: Keep your delicious citrus vinaigrette in an airtight container (like a Mason jar) in the refrigerator. Shake well before each use.
Store Avocado Separately: Avocados tend to brown quickly once cut and exposed to air. To keep them fresh, dice your avocado just before serving each portion of salad. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the diced avocado can also help slow down oxidation if you’re preparing a small amount a short while ahead.
Store Main Salad Components Separately: Combine the cooked and cooled quinoa with the mixed greens, oranges, pistachios, and cheese (if using) in a large airtight container. Store this mixture in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply scoop out your desired portion, add freshly diced avocado, and drizzle with the chilled dressing.

By following these steps, you can enjoy this bright and refreshing Citrus Quinoa Salad over several days, making it an ideal choice for healthy meal prep throughout the week.

Explore More Quinoa Salad Recipes:

If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility and health benefits of quinoa in salads, you’ll be thrilled to discover our other fantastic recipes:

Detox Quinoa Salad: A cleansing blend with cilantro, black beans, and corn for a refreshing taste.
Thai Quinoa Salad: Experience exotic flavors with a rich and creamy peanut butter dressing.
Caprese Quinoa Salad: A classic Italian-inspired salad featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
Southwest Quinoa Salad: A vibrant, zesty salad bursting with Tex-Mex flavors and a refreshing cilantro vinaigrette.
Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad: A comforting and hearty option with roasted sweet potatoes and a light lemon vinaigrette.

Citrus Quinoa Salad

By Chelsea Lords

A nutritious, fresh, and flavorful Citrus Quinoa Salad overflowing with clementine oranges, roasted pistachios, creamy avocado, and tangy goat (or feta) cheese. This vibrant salad is drizzled with a sweet, tangy homemade citrus vinaigrette.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Quinoa Chilling Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 6 servings (as a side)

Equipment

Small pot
Mason jar (for dressing)
Citrus juicer (optional, but recommended)
Large mixing bowl

Ingredients

Salad

1/2 cup uncooked quinoa (tricolor or regular works great!)
5 cups fresh spring mix (baby lettuce and baby greens)
3 clementine oranges (approximately 1-3/4 cups, or 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, well drained)
1/3 cup coarsely chopped roasted and salted shelled pistachios
1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta, optional)
1 large ripe avocado (diced)
1 lemon (for avocado, optional)

Dressing

1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard (do not use regular mustard)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Juice from 1 lemon
Juice from 1 orange
2-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2 tablespoons honey (add slowly to desired sweetness)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Combine the quinoa with water and salt (we recommend 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt) in a small pot. Follow the package directions to cook the quinoa. Cook until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa has “popped,” typically about 15–25 minutes (cooking time may vary based on heat and pot size). Remove from heat; let stand, covered, for 5–10 minutes to steam. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a bowl in the fridge to chill thoroughly. For faster cooling, spread it on a parchment-lined sheet pan and place it in the freezer for a few minutes. Cooked quinoa can be prepared 3–4 days in advance.
Juice one lemon and one orange to obtain approximately 1 tablespoon of juice from each. Add all the dressing ingredients into a Mason jar. Season with salt and pepper to taste (we suggest starting with about 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, then adjust to your preference). Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prepare the salad components: thoroughly drain any canned mandarin oranges, or peel and segment fresh clementines. Shell and coarsely chop the pistachios. Carefully remove the skin and pit from the ripe avocado, then dice it. If desired, drizzle a little fresh lemon juice over the diced avocado to prevent browning.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spring salad mix and the cooked, completely cooled quinoa. Gently toss to combine the greens and grains. Add in the prepared oranges, pistachios, crumbled goat cheese (if using), and diced avocado. Retrieve the dressing from the fridge, shake it well, and pour it over the salad (refer to Note 1 for dressing guidelines). We find using all the dressing provides the perfect flavor balance for this salad, but you can add it slowly to match your personal preference for how dressed you like your salads. Finish with a fresh crack of pepper and a sprinkle of sea salt to taste. Serve and enjoy immediately for the best experience.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: If you anticipate having leftovers or aren’t planning to finish the entire salad in one sitting, only dress the portion you will be eating. Similarly, only prepare the amount of avocado you intend to consume that day to keep it fresh and prevent browning.

Storage: This salad does not store well once it has been dressed, as the dressing can cause the lettuce and other ingredients to become soggy. We strongly recommend only dressing the portion you will enjoy on the same day. Store the dressing, prepared avocado (diced just before serving), and the remaining salad components (quinoa, greens, oranges, pistachios, cheese) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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