Quinoa avocado salad with blueberry

Quinoa avocado salad with blueberry

20 min
Enjoy our quinoa avocado salad with blueberry. This salad tops its tasty ingredients with a refreshing lime and sesame dressing. Whether you are after a satisfying lunch or a sophisticated side dish, this recipe will quickly become your new go-to choice.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/quinoa-avocado-salad-with-blueberry/

Instructions

  • Cook the mixed quinoa according to pack instructions, drain it, and set aside to cool.
  • Mix lime juice, zest, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the quinoa in a large bowl and mix in the dressing, parsley, and remaining ingredients, except the white cheese.
  • Plate up, scatter the white cheese over the salad, and enjoy!
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about quinoa avocado salad with blueberry

Below, you will find answers to commonly asked questions about making a quinoa avocado salad with blueberry. We cover everything from making it ahead to the best storage options.

Can I prepare the quinoa avocado salad with blueberry in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. Cook the quinoa and combine it with the other ingredients, except for the avocado and dressing. Just before serving, add the freshly cut avocado and zesty dressing to keep the salad fresh. If you are not serving it straight away, cover and chill the prepared ingredients. The lime juice in the dressing adds flavour and helps keep the avocado from turning brown. For the best taste, mix in the avocado and dressing just before consuming it.
How should I store quinoa avocado salad with blueberry?
Keep your quinoa avocado salad with blueberry in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Store the dressing in a separate jar or container in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to a week. Dress the salad just before you enjoy it to get the best texture and flavour.

Ingredients

Lime fruits, juice and zest
2
Mixed quinoa
200 g
Sesame oil
2 tbsp
Honey
1 tsp
Salt
Pepper
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tbsp
Cucumber, diced
½
Large avocado, peeled and diced
1
Spring onions, finely sliced
4
Blueberries
150 g
150 g

Tips: Perfect your quinoa avocado salad with blueberry

Explore tips and tricks to take your quinoa avocado salad with blueberry to new heights.

Get fluffy quinoa

To get fluffy quinoa for your salad, cook it as the package suggests. Usually, this means boiling the quinoa in water, then simmering it on low heat with a lid on top until it absorbs all the water, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Once done, use a fork to fluff up the quinoa and help separate the grains. You can spread the cooked quinoa out on a large baking sheet to cool. Once cool, combine it with the remaining ingredients.

Pick perfectly ripe avocados

To ensure your quinoa avocado salad with blueberry has the best texture and taste, choose avocados that are ripe but not too soft, for instance, Hass avocados with a dark green to black. They should feel soft when gently pressed but not leave an indent. For immediate use, select avocados that are just ripe. If you are making the salad later, pick ones that are slightly firmer and will ripen over time. Avoid avocados with deep indentations or very soft areas, as they may be past their best and spoil the texture of the salad.

Choose ripe blueberries

Select blueberries that are firm, plump, and have a deep blue colour with a frosty coating, known as the ‘bloom’. This indicates that the berries are at their peak ripeness, offering a perfect mix of sweet and tangy. Avoid any that look shrivelled or have red patches, as they might taste sour.

Vibrant quinoa avocado salad with sweet blueberries

Quinoa salads have become a go-to option for many salad lovers out there. Their fluffy texture and slightly nutty flavour are the perfect match for a variety of different veggies and fruits. One of our favourite versions is this vibrant quinoa avocado salad with sweet blueberries. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also a quick and straightforward way to boost the number of greens in your salad. Avocado is an obvious addition because of its rich, creamy texture. It fits perfectly with sweet and tart blueberries, fresh cucumber, and parsley.

In need of more inspiration for delicious salad recipes? Check out our quinoa butternut squash salad with sweet and earthy flavours or a summer salad with quinoa, which is easily enjoyed under the blue summer sky. We also recommend this courgette pasta salad, red cabbage salad, or aubergine salad if you want to expand your salad collection.

With crisp cucumber and peppery parsley

A summer salad needs summer ingredients. Therefore, we have pumped it up with different green vegetables that introduce a refreshing crunch and flavour. The cool bite of cucumber complements the soft quinoa, while parsley brings a clean, peppery taste that brightens the overall flavour of the salad.

Tossed with a fresh lime and sesame dressing

The quinoa avocado salad with blueberries comes to life with a dressing that combines citrus zing and a nutty flavour. The addition of honey introduces a gentle sweetness that balances the sharpness of the citrus. The lime brings a refreshing zest that lifts the earthy quinoa and creamy avocado, while the sesame oil contributes a subtle hint of warmth and depth, making each bite satisfying and flavourful.

Perfect for summer lunches, parties, and picnics

The salad for your next summer gathering is just 20 minutes away. Packed with nutty, hearty quinoa, creamy avocado, and juicy blueberries, this colourful salad is made to impress. Its fresh and cooling ingredients make it an ideal choice for outdoor events, ensuring the ingredients stay delightful even under the summer sun. Light yet satisfying, it is perfect for everything from relaxed backyard picnics to elegant outdoor parties.

Revise the recipe to suit your taste

Our recipe for quinoa avocado salad with blueberries is simple and adaptable, allowing you to customise it to your liking. Blueberries add a sweet touch and vibrant colour, but you can also use strawberries, mangoes, or blackberries.

Also, mix in different greens like rocket salad and spinach to add diverse textures and flavours. The sharp taste of rocket salad complements the sweet berries, while the freshness of spinach offsets the creamy avocado.

If you prefer a nutty crunch, try adding walnuts, almonds, pecans, or pistachios. Walnuts are generally more bitter and earthy, while almonds offer a mild, nutty flavour. The pecans and pistachios are slightly sweeter than the other two. We suggest toasting the nuts before sprinkling them into the salad. This deepens their natural flavours, as the heat causes the oils within the nuts to become more aromatic, amplifying their nuttiness.