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Vibrant Quinoa Salad with Mango and Cilantro

Welcome to my kitchen! I’m Nyla—a chef with a true love for creating recipes that not only taste amazing but also bring people together. This website is where I share my favorite dishes, cooking tips, and step-by-step guides to help you enjoy the process as much as the result. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find inspiration here to make every meal special! Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Vibrant Quinoa Salad with Mango and Cilantro, a dish bursting with flavor and nutrition. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a healthy snack.

Imagine biting into a salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying, sweet and savory, all at once. That’s what this quinoa salad delivers. It’s a colorful mix of fluffy quinoa, juicy mango, fresh cilantro, and a zesty lime dressing. Think of it as sunshine in a bowl, a delightful way to enjoy a healthy meal that’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and deliciousness. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good from the inside out, like giving your body a high-five with every bite!

A Brief Overview of This Recipe

This quinoa salad recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. We start with quinoa, a complete protein that forms the base of our salad. We then add sweet and tangy mango, which not only provides a burst of tropical flavor but also essential vitamins. Fresh cilantro lends a bright, herbaceous note, while red onion adds a subtle sharpness. A lime-based dressing ties everything together, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to add your own personal touch by including other vegetables, proteins, or even a touch of spice. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You Will Need

To create this vibrant quinoa salad, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to bring this quinoa salad to life:

1. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water (or vegetable broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Fluff with a fork.
2. Prepare the Mango and Red Onion: While the quinoa is cooking, dice the mango into small, even pieces. Finely chop the red onion and cilantro.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced jalapeno (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced mango, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
5. Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This also makes it a great make-ahead dish.

Tips and Variations for Your Quinoa Salad

This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to suit your tastes and preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, black beans, or chickpeas would all be delicious additions to this salad.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or use a hotter chili pepper.
• Include Other Vegetables: Diced bell peppers, cucumbers, avocados, or tomatoes would all be great additions to this salad.
• Swap the Herbs: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using fresh parsley or mint instead.
• Get Nutty: Add toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Cheese, Please!: Crumble some feta or goat cheese over the salad for a tangy and creamy touch.

Making Ahead and Storing

This quinoa salad is perfect for meal prepping because it holds up well in the refrigerator. You can make the salad a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container. The flavors will actually meld together even more over time. If you’re adding avocado, wait until just before serving to prevent it from browning. The dressing can also be made ahead of time and stored separately. Just give it a good whisk before pouring it over the salad.

Why Quinoa is a Nutritional Powerhouse

Beyond its delicious taste and versatility, quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies can’t produce on their own. It’s also a good source of fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full and satisfied. Quinoa is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and folate. It’s also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Incorporating quinoa into your diet is a simple and delicious way to boost your overall health and well-being. This quinoa salad makes it especially easy!

Prep Time | Total Time | Kcal | Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Kcal: Approximately 350 per serving (depending on variations)
• Yield: 4 servings

Thank you for being here! I’m so glad you’re here. If you enjoyed this recipe or found it helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family—great food is meant to be shared! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and daily cooking inspiration. Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to bringing you even more tasty ideas straight from my kitchen.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! This quinoa salad is naturally vegan. Just make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth when cooking the quinoa.

Can I use frozen mango?

Yes, you can use frozen mango, but be sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the salad. Fresh mango will give you the best flavor and texture, but frozen mango is a convenient option when fresh mango isn’t available.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

This salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. The flavors will actually meld together even more over time.

What if I don’t like cilantro?

No problem! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can easily substitute it with fresh parsley or mint. These herbs will provide a similar fresh, herbaceous note to the salad.

Can I add other toppings to this salad?

Of course! This quinoa salad is very versatile, so feel free to add other toppings to suit your taste. Some popular additions include avocado, bell peppers, cucumbers, feta cheese, or toasted nuts.

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