Citrus & Quinoa Delight Salad
This refreshing Citrus & Quinoa Delight Salad is a vibrant combination of savory and sweet flavors that come together beautifully. The nutty texture of quinoa pairs well with the bright acidity of fresh orange juice, while tender green onions and aromatic parsley add depth and freshness. For an extra layer of flavor, consider stirring in succulent pieces of roasted chicken and tangy feta cheese, or adding juicy orange segments for a burst of sweetness. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, this salad not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the body. A delightful recipe from Cooking Light, July 2006.
6-10 servings
Servings
100
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh orange juice
1/4 cup (Juiced from fresh oranges)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Low-fat buttermilk
1 1/2 tablespoons (None)
Honey
2 teaspoons (None)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Uncooked quinoa
1 1/3 cups (Rinsed)
Water
2 3/4 cups (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Green onions
1 cup (Thinly sliced)
Fresh parsley
1/3 cup (Chopped)
Sliced almonds
3 tablespoons (Toasted)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, low-fat buttermilk, honey, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a large skillet, toast the uncooked quinoa over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 4 minutes until lightly golden and aromatic.
3
Transfer the toasted quinoa into a fine mesh sieve. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under running water, scrubbing the grains between your palms for 30 seconds to remove any bitterness. Repeat this rinsing process two additional times to ensure the grains are clean.
4
In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 3/4 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
5
Once boiling, cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and let the quinoa simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
6
Allow the cooked quinoa to cool to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, and toasted sliced almonds.
7
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the quinoa mixture, stirring gently to combine.
8
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to serving, allowing the flavors to develop.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
13
Carbs
2.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus & Quinoa Delight Salad?
It is a refreshing salad that combines nutty quinoa with the bright acidity of orange juice, green onions, and fresh parsley for a vibrant flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields between 6 and 10 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 100 calories per serving.
Is this salad recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as it is based on quinoa and contains no wheat products, it is naturally gluten-free.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of fresh orange juice, extra virgin olive oil, low-fat buttermilk, honey, and freshly ground black pepper.
Should the quinoa be toasted before cooking?
Yes, the recipe recommends toasting the uncooked quinoa in a large skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes until golden and aromatic.
Why do I need to rinse the quinoa three times?
Rinsing the quinoa thoroughly and scrubbing the grains helps remove its natural coating, which can cause a bitter taste if left on.
What is the water ratio for cooking the quinoa in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 3/4 cups of water for 1 1/3 cups of uncooked quinoa.
How long should the quinoa simmer?
Once boiling, the quinoa should simmer covered on low heat for 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
Does the quinoa need to be cooled before assembly?
Yes, the cooked quinoa should be allowed to reach room temperature before mixing with the other salad ingredients.
What type of nuts are used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of toasted sliced almonds.
Which fresh herbs are included?
The salad includes 1/3 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the salad?
Each serving provides 2.5 grams of protein.
Can I add meat to this salad for a more substantial meal?
Yes, the recipe description suggests adding succulent pieces of roasted chicken for extra flavor and protein.
Is there a specific cheese that pairs well with this?
The recipe recommends stirring in tangy feta cheese for an additional layer of flavor.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
What type of onions does the recipe use?
The recipe uses 1 cup of thinly sliced green onions.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
While the original recipe uses buttermilk and honey, it is tagged as 'vegan optional' implying these can be swapped for plant-based alternatives.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe is from the July 2006 edition of Cooking Light.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
The recipe specifically calls for juice from fresh oranges for the best flavor, though bottled can be used in a pinch.
How much honey is required?
The dressing requires 2 teaspoons of honey.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added during the boiling of the quinoa.
Is it possible to add more fruit to the salad?
Yes, adding juicy orange segments is recommended for an extra burst of sweetness.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, ranging from quinoa and water to fresh herbs and dressing components.
Is extra virgin olive oil necessary for the dressing?
The recipe specifies extra virgin olive oil for its flavor profile, using 2 tablespoons.
Can this salad be served as a side dish?
Yes, it is described as being perfect as either a light meal or a side dish.
Is the buttermilk used low-fat?
Yes, the recipe specifically lists 1 1/2 tablespoons of low-fat buttermilk.
What is the texture of the quinoa in this salad?
The quinoa has a nutty texture that is light and fluffy once cooked and cooled.