Vibrant Citrus Quinoa Salad with Spiced Pepita Dressing
This Vibrant Citrus Quinoa Salad is a colorful medley of fresh vegetables and protein-packed quinoa, all drizzled with a zesty, slightly spicy dressing made from pepitas and citrus juices. The combination of crunchy jicama, tender broccoli, and sweet red bell pepper creates a symphony of textures and flavors. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is not only visually appealing but also nutritious and satisfying. Chill it for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together, making each bite even more delicious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1/2 cup (rinsed)
broccoli
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
carrot
1 cup (chopped or shredded)
red cabbage
1 cup (shredded)
jicama
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
red bell pepper
1 large (chopped)
scallion
3/4 cup (sliced thin)
cauliflower
1 cup (chopped)
black sesame seed
1 tablespoon (raw)
pepitas (raw shelled pumpkin seeds)
1/2 cup (toasted)
fresh cilantro
1 cup (fresh)
lime juice
3 tablespoons (fresh)
orange juice concentrate
5 tablespoons (thawed)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (dry)
cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 3/4 cup of water. Bring to a rolling boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa has a fluffy texture with visible holes on the surface. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it cool to room temperature.
2
In a large skillet, dry toast the pepitas over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until they begin to pop and become fragrant. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3
In a food processor, combine the toasted pepitas, fresh cilantro, lime juice, orange juice concentrate, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Pulse until a smooth paste forms. Don’t worry if it looks a bit chunky, the texture adds to the salad's charm.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, carrots, shredded red cabbage, jicama, red bell pepper, scallions, cauliflower, cooked quinoa, and black sesame seeds. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix well.
5
Pour the citrus-pepita dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to come together. For the best taste, let it chill overnight.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vibrant Citrus Quinoa Salad?
It is a colorful medley of fresh vegetables and protein-packed quinoa tossed in a zesty, slightly spicy dressing made from pepitas and citrus.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this salad is 100% vegan as it contains no animal products.
Is the Citrus Quinoa Salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used, including quinoa and pepitas, are naturally gluten-free.
How do I cook the quinoa for this recipe?
Rinse 1/2 cup of quinoa, combine with 3/4 cup water, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until fluffy.
What ingredients are in the spiced pepita dressing?
The dressing consists of toasted pepitas, fresh cilantro, lime juice, orange juice concentrate, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
How do I toast the pepitas?
Dry toast them in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they pop and become fragrant.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad features broccoli, carrots, red cabbage, jicama, red bell pepper, scallions, and cauliflower.
Why should I rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Rinsing quinoa under cold water helps remove its natural outer coating, which can taste bitter if not washed off.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to chill it for at least 1 hour, and it tastes even better when allowed to sit overnight.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is a smooth paste, though it may be slightly chunky from the blended pepitas, which adds texture to the salad.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is required to blend the toasted pepitas and other dressing ingredients into a paste.
What gives the salad its spicy kick?
The dressing uses a combination of chili powder and ground cumin to provide a warm, zesty spice profile.
How should the broccoli and cauliflower be prepared?
Both the broccoli and cauliflower should be finely chopped before being added to the salad mix.
What type of citrus juices are used?
The recipe calls for fresh lime juice and thawed orange juice concentrate for a concentrated citrus flavor.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, thanks to the protein-packed quinoa and fiber-rich vegetables, it works well as a light main course.
What kind of sesame seeds are used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of raw black sesame seeds for visual contrast and flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 total ingredients, ranging from the base grains to the fresh produce and spices.
Is jicama necessary for this recipe?
Jicama provides a unique crunch, but if you cannot find it, you could substitute it with water chestnuts or tart apple.
Should the quinoa be hot or cold when mixed into the salad?
The quinoa should be cooled to room temperature before being tossed with the fresh vegetables.
How do I prepare the scallions?
The scallions should be sliced thin; you will need about 3/4 cup.
What is the role of the red cabbage?
Shredded red cabbage adds a vibrant purple color and a significant amount of crunch to the salad.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for the dressing.
Can I substitute the cilantro?
If you dislike cilantro, you can try fresh flat-leaf parsley, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Are the pepitas shelled or unshelled?
You should use raw shelled pumpkin seeds, commonly known as pepitas.
How do I prep the carrots?
You can either chop the carrots or shred them depending on your preference for the salad's texture.
Is there any added sugar?
There is no refined sugar; the sweetness comes naturally from the orange juice concentrate.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to your personal taste.
What makes this salad 'vibrant'?
The combination of red bell peppers, orange carrots, green broccoli, and purple cabbage makes it visually striking.
Is this salad high in protein?
Yes, quinoa and pepitas are both excellent plant-based sources of protein.