This refreshing and flavorful avocado mango quinoa salad is the perfect summer side dish. It's light, healthy, and packed with flavor. The avocado and mango add a touch of sweetness, while the red onion and cilantro add a bit of spice. The quinoa provides a hearty base, and the lime-olive oil dressing brings it all together. This salad is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or for a potluck or barbecue.
This recipe was inspired by a salad I had at a restaurant in Mexico City. I was immediately drawn to the combination of avocado, mango, and quinoa, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. After a few experiments, I came up with this recipe, which is now one of my favorites. I love the way the flavors and textures come together in this salad. It's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 ripe mango, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Rinse quinoa under cold water. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
In a large bowl, combine diced avocados, mango, red onion, and cilantro.
Add cooked quinoa to the bowl and gently toss to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Why It Works
The combination of avocado, mango, and quinoa is a winning one. The avocado and mango are both sweet and creamy, while the quinoa is nutty and hearty. Together, they create a salad that is both satisfying and refreshing.
The red onion and cilantro add a bit of spice and brightness to the salad. The red onion adds a bit of crunch, while the cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
The lime-olive oil dressing is the perfect finishing touch for this salad. It's light and flavorful, and it helps to bring all of the flavors together.