Quinoa Mango Salad – Refreshing and High-Protein
Elevate your salad game with this Quinoa Mango Salad, a refreshing and high-protein dish featuring juicy mangoes, protein-packed quinoa, and fresh vegetables.
Elevate your salad game with this Quinoa Mango Salad, a refreshing and high-protein dish perfect for busy weeknights! Bursting with flavor from juicy mangoes and protein-rich quinoa, this salad is not just delicious but also nutritious.
Quinoa Mango Salad
- Unique flavor combination of sweet mango and hearty quinoa.
- Quick and easy preparation, ideal for meal prepping.
- Suitable for various diets, including vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make
To prepare this delightful Quinoa Mango Salad, start by cooking your quinoa. In a pot, add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, covering the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool. While the quinoa is cooling, chop the mangoes, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. In a large bowl, combine the diced ingredients with the cooled quinoa. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Gently toss everything together for a colorful and nutritious salad.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add diced avocado or chickpeas.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Double the recipe for meal prepping!
Make-Ahead
This salad can be made a day in advance, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings. Just hold off on adding any greens until you’re ready to serve to keep them fresh.
Storing
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits, making it even more delicious!
Freezing
While quinoa freezes well, this salad’s fresh ingredients like mango and cucumber won’t maintain their texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Reheating
If serving warm, you can reheat the quinoa before mixing it with the other ingredients. However, the salad is best served chilled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade. Enjoy!
If you’re looking for utensils that can help in meal prep, check out this high-quality salad bowl set on Amazon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
Cook quinoa
Rinse quinoa. In a pot, add quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook about 15 minutes until fluffy. Let cool.
Dice vegetables and fruit
Dice mangoes, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa with diced mango, pepper, cucumber, onion, and cilantro.
Dress the salad
Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil; season with salt and pepper; toss gently.
Add avocado (optional)
If using, add diced avocado for extra richness.
Finish and serve
Toss again and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I add avocado for richness?
Yes, diced avocado can be added for extra creaminess.
Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes. It is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
What goes well with this salad?
It pairs nicely with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. A refreshing drink like iced tea works too.
Can I use frozen mango?
Yes, thaw before using; note that texture may be different.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
