This vibrant and refreshing summer salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Creamy avocado and sweet mango pair perfectly with the nutty quinoa, while the crisp red onion and cilantro add a touch of freshness. The zesty lime dressing brings it all together, creating a dish that is both satisfying and invigorating.
The inspiration for this salad came to me on a sweltering summer day, as I longed for a light and refreshing meal. I had some leftover quinoa in the fridge, and I had recently purchased some ripe avocados and mangoes. As I pondered what to do with these ingredients, I realized that they would make a perfect combination in a salad. I added some chopped red onion and cilantro for color and crunch, and I whisked together a simple lime dressing to bring it all together. The result was a salad that was both delicious and nutritious, and it quickly became a favorite of mine.
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, cooked according to package instructions
1/2 cup diced avocado
1/2 cup diced mango
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, avocado, mango, cilantro, and red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
Serve immediately.
Why It Works
The combination of textures and flavors in this salad is what makes it so special. The creamy avocado and sweet mango pair perfectly with the nutty quinoa, while the crisp red onion and cilantro add a touch of freshness.
The lime dressing is the perfect finishing touch, adding a bright and zesty flavor that brings all the ingredients together.