Name: Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed); 2 cups water; 2 ripe avocados (diced); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 cup English cucumber (diced); 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped); 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 clove garlic (minced); Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Combine quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.

Step 2

Remove saucepan from heat and let the cooked quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and let it cool completely.

Step 3

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette.

Step 4

In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, pumpkin seeds, and chopped cilantro.

Step 5

Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired and serve immediately.

💡 Pro Tips for Success

•Toast the uncooked quinoa in a little olive oil for 2 minutes before boiling to add a nutty flavor.
•To keep the avocado green, toss it with a little extra lemon juice beforehand.
•This salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have combined in the fridge.