Name: Zesty Quinoa Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 30, 2026

This zesty quinoa salad recipe is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and packed with nutritious ingredients. Whether you're looking for a healthy salad for meal prep, a delicious side dish for your next BBQ, or a main dish that's both satisfying and refreshing, this salad is a great option. The combination of fluffy quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a citrusy honey-lime dressing makes this an easy quinoa salad that will quickly become a favorite. With a medley of textures-crunchy pistachios, juicy pomegranate seeds, and creamy avocado-every bite is a delight.

From the Cook

1/5

Zesty Quinoa Salad Recipe

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningTreenuts allergen identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Rinse 1 cup of dry quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and combine with 4 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the quinoa cooks and absorbs all the excess liquid. Let cool.

In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, jalapeños, red onion, pistachios, pomegranate seeds, avocado, cilantro, and mint. Toss to combine.

In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together juice and zest of 1 orange, 1 grapefruit, 1 lime, and 1 lemon, along with ⅔ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, and ½ teaspoon salt. Pour over the quinoa mixture and toss well.

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Quinoa Rinsing Pro 💦
Always rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer to remove the natural saponin coating, which can create a bitter taste and improve overall flavor.
Citrus Zest Technique 🍋
When preparing the citrus dressing, zest the fruits before juicing to capture maximum essential oils and intensify the bright, aromatic flavors.
Toasting Nuts Secret 🥜
Lightly toast pistachios in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding to the salad to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
Avocado Preservation Hack 🥑
Dice avocado last and toss with a little extra lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain its vibrant green color in the salad.
Flavor Layering Technique 🌈
Let the quinoa cool slightly before mixing in other ingredients to prevent wilting herbs and ensure each component maintains its distinct texture and flavor.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.