Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad

Name: Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups water; 1 ripe avocado, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper, 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: Healthy & Light

I love making this Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad whenever I need a nourishing dish that bursts with flavor. It’s quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and satisfies my cravings for something light yet filling. The creamy avocado paired with fluffy quinoa creates a delightful texture, while fresh veggies add a vibrant crunch. This salad not only makes for a delicious lunch but is also perfect as a side dish for dinner gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, you will want to include it in your weekly meal prep!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-03T16:10:40.111Z

This salad has become a staple in my kitchen, especially on busy days when I want something wholesome but don't have much time. By cooking quinoa ahead of time, I can whip this dish up in under 30 minutes. I also love that it’s customizable—throw in whatever veggies you have on hand!

One tip that I've found really helps is to let the quinoa cool before adding the avocado. This way, the avocado remains fresh and creamy without turning mushy, giving every bite a pleasant texture. The dressing is simple yet effective, with just olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoning, allowing all the flavors to shine through.

        Why You Will Love This Salad
        Rich in healthy fats from avocado that keep you satisfied
Nutty flavor and texture from quinoa, making it incredibly filling
Versatile recipe that allows you to use seasonal vegetables

      

Elevating Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

The beauty of this Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad lies in the freshness of its ingredients. Choosing ripe avocados is crucial; they should yield slightly to gentle pressure. If you’re using them a few days later, select avocados that are still a bit firm and let them ripen at room temperature. Fresh herbs, like cilantro, not only enhance flavor but also add a pop of color, making the salad more visually appealing. Trust me, even a slight change in herb choice can alter the entire flavor profile!

When it comes to tomatoes, opt for vibrant cherry tomatoes as their sweetness harmonizes wonderfully with the creamy avocado. Slicing them in half allows their juice to intermingle with the dressing, providing a delightful burst of flavor in each bite. For a spicier kick, consider using heirloom tomatoes or even roasted red peppers as a dynamic swap for the fresh bell pepper, which can add a depth of sweetness when roasted.

Mastering Quinoa Like a Pro

Perfectly cooked quinoa is the backbone of this salad. To ensure the quinoa is fluffy, soaking it for 15-20 minutes in water before rinsing helps remove excess saponins that can impart a bitter flavor. Use a fine mesh strainer for rinsing—this way, none of those tiny grains escape! Post-cooking, let it steam in the covered pot for five minutes to further achieve that lightness. You'll know it's done once the grains appear translucent with little tails, a sign of doneness.

In this recipe, the ratio of quinoa to water is essential. Typically, it’s 1:2, but for a slightly chewier texture, you can tweak it to 1:1.75. Remember, cooking times may vary; altitude can affect boiling and cooking time, so keep an eye on it, especially if you're at a higher elevation.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad:

Salad Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 ripe avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, 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

Mixing these vibrant ingredients creates a deliciously refreshing salad!

Instructions

Let’s get started on making this delightful salad:

Cook the Quinoa

Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the quinoa is cooking, chop your vegetables: dice the avocado, cucumber, and bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion and cilantro.

Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.

Make the Dressing

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

Toss Everything Together

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy your vibrant and healthy salad!

Pro Tips

For added protein, consider adding black beans or grilled chicken to enhance this salad. You can also substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a different flavor profile.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This Avocado Quinoa Salad is ideal for meal prepping! It stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To prevent the avocado from browning too quickly, toss it with a bit of lemon juice or lime juice, as this helps maintain its vibrant green hue. If you're preparing this salad for the week, consider storing the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh and crunchy when you serve it later.

You can also customize portion sizes easily. If cooking for a larger group or wanting leftovers, simply double the quinoa and ingredient amounts, adjusting the water accordingly. This makes it a fantastic dish for potlucks or gatherings, and it’s easy to scale without losing the essence of the flavor.

Variations to Explore

Feeling adventurous? You can experiment with this salad by incorporating seasonal vegetables according to what's fresh and available. For instance, zucchini, asparagus, or even thinly sliced radishes can introduce different textures and flavors. Adding a handful of nuts, such as toasted almonds or walnuts, can bring a satisfying crunch, complementing the creamy avocado beautifully.

If you're looking for a protein boost, consider adding chickpeas or black beans. These not only enhance the nutritional value but also make the salad more filling. For a touch of indulgence, crumbled feta or goat cheese can pair beautifully with the creamy avocado and tangy dressing, giving it an upscale twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the quinoa and vegetables in advance. Just wait to add the avocado and dressing until you're ready to serve to keep everything fresh.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables like corn, radishes, or even leafy greens for extra crunch and nutrition.

→ How long will this salad last in the fridge?

The salad is best eaten fresh, but it can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Just note that the avocado may brown over time.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Healthy Avocado Quinoa Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.