Quinoa and Avocado Salad
	
		A light, refreshing salad featuring fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing.
	 
	
		
							- Author: sarra
 
							- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 15 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 30 minutes
 
							- Yield: 4 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Salad
 
							- Method: Boiling & Mixing
 
							- Cuisine: Mediterranean
 
							- Diet: Vegan
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
 
- 2 cups water
 
- 1 large avocado, diced
 
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
 
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
 
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
 
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
 
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
 
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
 
- 1 garlic clove, minced
 
- Salt and pepper, to taste
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
 
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
 
- In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
 
- Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat, being careful not to mash the avocado.
 
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
 
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- For extra protein, stir in ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained.
 
- Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy twist.
 
- Make ahead: cook quinoa and chop vegetables up to 1 day in advance; assemble just before serving.
 
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; best enjoyed fresh.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 cup
 
							- Calories: 270
 
							- Sugar: 2g
 
							- Sodium: 180mg
 
							- Fat: 14g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 2g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 32g
 
							- Fiber: 7g
 
							- Protein: 6g
 
							- Cholesterol: 0mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: quinoa, avocado, salad, gluten free, vegan, healthy, light