Citrus Basil Quinoa
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
781 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Citrus Basil Quinoa
Description
This salad begins by cooking dry quinoa in water until all liquid is absorbed and the grain is light and fluffy. Separately, a bright dressing blends orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, sea salt, and fresh basil in a blender until smooth and emulsified, providing a citrus-herb flavor with balanced acidity and sweetness.
The cooked quinoa is combined with finely diced red onion, chopped cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, fresh spinach, and chopped basil. The salad is tossed with the dressing and seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerating for at least an hour helps the flavors meld and the quinoa absorb the dressing.
This dish works well as a light main meal or a side, offering fresh vegetables and a zesty herbaceous profile. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week, with flavors improving with time.
The leftover orange basil dressing can also be used on leafy green salads, making it versatile.
Ingredients
For the Quinoa Salad:
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa dry
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup orange basil dressing (recipe below)
- 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
- 1 cucumber , chopped
- 2 cups spinach fresh
- 1 red bell pepper , chopped
- basil to taste, freshly chopped
- salt
- black pepper
For the Orange Basil Dressing:
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup basil tightly packed fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon salt sea salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Combine the dry quinoa and water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat, allowing the quinoa to cook for 15 minutes, or until all of the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat, and fluff with a fork.
- To prepare the Orange Basil Dressing, combine all of the ingredients in a blender, and blend until completely smooth and emulsified. Adjust the flavor to taste, if desired.
- Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and toss with the Orange Basil Dressing and chopped vegetables. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and allow to marinate in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
- This dish will last for up to a week in the fridge, when stored in a sealed container. The flavor gets better as it marinates!
Notes
- Leftover orange basil dressing is great for leafy green salads and keeps up to a week refrigerated.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 781 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 781kcal | 39% |
| Carbohydrates | 97g | 32% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Sodium | 578mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 880mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 21g | 42% |
| Vitamin A | 2600IU | 52% |
| Vitamin C | 80mg | 89% |
| Calcium | 80mg | 8% |
| Iron | 6.1mg | 34% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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