Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad

Name: Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups water; 2 ripe avocados, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 small cucumber, 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

Highlighted under: Green Eating

I love making a Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad when I want a fresh and satisfying meal. This recipe combines creamy avocados with protein-packed quinoa and plenty of veggies to create a colorful, nutritious dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner. The dressing is a simple mix of lime juice and olive oil, bringing out the flavors beautifully. I often prepare this salad in advance, letting the ingredients marinate for a bit, which enhances the taste even more. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for meal prep!

Created by

Monicas

Last updated on 2026-02-03T19:54:26.628Z

When I first created this Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad, I wanted something that felt light yet filling. Quinoa is a fantastic base because it's not only high in protein, but it also absorbs flavors beautifully, enhancing every bite. After cooking the quinoa, I let it cool completely to keep the avocado from browning, ensuring every ingredient stays fresh and vibrant.

One of my favorite aspects of this salad is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding ingredients like chickpeas for extra protein or cherry tomatoes for sweetness. I also love using fresh herbs, which elevate the dish and make it even more refreshing!

Why You'll Love This Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad
Nutritious and packed with healthy fats from avocado
Vibrant colors make it visually appealing
Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences

The Role of Quinoa

Quinoa serves as the backbone of this salad, providing a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado. It's essential to rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness from its outer coating. When cooked, it should look slightly translucent, and the germ will spiral out, indicating it's ready. This unique grain is not only gluten-free but also high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a hearty meal that fuels your body.

To ensure perfect quinoa every time, maintain a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water. Once it’s simmering, keep the lid on to trap steam, which is crucial for even cooking. If you happen to overcook it, resulting in a mushy texture, don't fret! You can repurpose it as a base for a savory breakfast bowl, mixing in eggs and veggies.

Avocados: Selecting and Preparing

Choosing ripe avocados is key to achieving that creamy consistency. Look for avocados that yield slightly to pressure but aren't overly soft. Upon cutting, they should have a vibrant green color within. If you encounter one that is brownish or hard, consider letting it ripen on the countertop or using it in a different recipe, as flavor and texture are crucial in this salad.

When dicing the avocados, slice them while still in the skin to ensure neat cubes, which will blend beautifully with the other ingredients. Remember to work quickly to prevent browning; sprinkle some lime juice on the cut avocado pieces if preparing ahead of time, as the acidity will help maintain their color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the quinoa and chop all the vegetables and herbs in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. Just mix everything together, including the dressing, no more than a few hours before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. If you prefer it marinated, allow it to sit for about 30 minutes before eating to enhance flavor development.

In terms of storage, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, if you're concerned about leftovers, consider storing the avocados and dressing separately; this will help preserve their freshness. When ready to eat, just assemble and enjoy a refreshing burst of flavor!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad

Salad Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, 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

Cook the Quinoa

In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Allow the quinoa to cool.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the quinoa cools, dice the avocados, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and chop the red onion and cilantro.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Mix Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced avocados, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with the dressing and gently mix to combine.

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Pro Tips

For extra crunch, consider adding roasted nuts or seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Also, if you're making this for a picnic, add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

Serving Suggestions

This Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad can be a standalone dish or served as a side. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a refreshing touch to heartier proteins. For a vegetarian twist, consider adding black beans for additional protein and a touch of spice with chili powder or cumin.

Another great idea is to serve this salad in lettuce wraps, using large leaves of romaine or butter lettuce. This not only makes for a fun presentation but also adds a crunchy, fresh element. Moreover, for those who enjoy a kick, toss in a few diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor.

Variations and Additions

Feel free to customize this salad based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences. Swap out the cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers or roasted sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Adding nuts or seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, can increase the crunch factor and nutrient content, making it even more satisfying.

If you're looking for a heartier meal, consider incorporating grains like farro or barley alongside the quinoa. This blend not only adds a nutty flavor but also a variety of textures. For a twist, try adding fruits like diced mango or pomegranate seeds for a sweet contrast to the savory elements.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Just wait to add the avocado until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh.

→ Is this salad vegan?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based.

→ What can I substitute for quinoa?

You can use couscous, farro, or even brown rice as a substitute.

→ How long does this salad last in the fridge?

It can last up to 2 days, but it’s best when eaten fresh to avoid sogginess.