Pin it A vibrant, refreshing bowl packed with zesty citrus, creamy avocado, and protein-rich quinoa—perfect for a light lunch or a nourishing side.
This bowl has become my go-to meal when I want something healthy yet satisfying for lunch.
Ingredients
- Quinoa Base: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed, 2 cups water, ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Citrus & Avocado: 1 large orange peeled and segmented, 1 large grapefruit peeled and segmented, 1 ripe avocado diced, ½ small red onion finely sliced, ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- Fresh Greens & Herbs: 2 cups baby spinach or arugula, ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped, ¼ cup fresh mint chopped
- Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- Step 2:
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the citrus: peel and segment the orange and grapefruit, removing any seeds and membrane.
- Step 3:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt to make the dressing.
- Step 4:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, spinach (or arugula), red onion, cilantro, and mint. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently.
- Step 5:
- Add citrus segments, diced avocado, and pomegranate seeds. Gently toss again, adding more dressing as needed.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Pin it This dish was a hit at our last family brunch, everyone loved the bright flavors and healthy ingredients.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan with lid, sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains none of the major allergens. If adding proteins or changing ingredients, check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 41 g, Protein: 7 g per serving
Pin it
This fresh citrus & avocado quinoa bowl is perfect for a nutritious meal any day of the week.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute quinoa with another grain?
Yes, couscous or bulgur can be used as alternatives though they may alter the texture and cooking time slightly.
- → How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Use ripe avocado just before serving and toss gently with the dressing to help maintain its bright color.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
Quinoa can be cooked ahead, but add citrus and avocado just before serving to preserve freshness.
- → What greens work best in this bowl?
Baby spinach, arugula, or a mix of fresh herbs like cilantro and mint complement the citrus and avocado nicely.
- → Can I add protein to make it more filling?
Grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas are great protein additions that pair well with the fresh ingredients.