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- 1 cup quinoa - 1 ripe mango - 2 ripe avocados - 1 red bell pepper - 1/2 red onion - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro - Juice of 1 lime - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and black pepper - Use 1 cup of quinoa for a hearty base. - One ripe mango adds sweetness and flavor. - Two ripe avocados give creaminess. - One red bell pepper adds crunch and color. - Half a red onion gives a nice bite. - One cup of cherry tomatoes adds freshness. - One-fourth cup of chopped cilantro adds herbiness. - Juice from one lime adds zesty brightness. - Two tablespoons of olive oil provide richness. - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. - Add one small jalapeño for heat. - Consider cheese like feta for creaminess. - Nuts like almonds can add crunch. This salad, bursting with fresh ingredients, is easy to prepare. Find the Full Recipe for step-by-step instructions to create this vibrant dish. To make quinoa, start by rinsing it under cold water. This step removes any bitterness. Then, in a medium pot, mix 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. When done, the quinoa should be fluffy and the liquid absorbed. Remove it from heat and keep the lid on for a few minutes. This helps it steam. Tips for fluffy quinoa: - Use a fine-mesh strainer to rinse. - Let it sit covered after cooking. While the quinoa cooks, chop your veggies. Cut the mango and avocados into small, even pieces. This helps with taste and texture. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Chop the red bell pepper and red onion finely. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the cilantro. Keep your ingredients fresh by storing them in a cool place until ready. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. If you want some spice, add minced jalapeño. Taste it to see if you need to adjust the flavors. You want it bright and balanced. In a large bowl, add the cooled quinoa. Then, add the chopped mango, avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. Gently mix everything together. Be careful not to crush the avocado. This keeps the salad looking fresh. Let the salad chill for at least 15 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors blend well. Serve it cold or at room temperature. For a lovely presentation, use a big bowl or a colorful platter. You can garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a nice look. Enjoy your Mango Avocado Quinoa Salad with your favorite meal or as a refreshing snack. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To make the best mango avocado quinoa salad, you need ripe fruits. Here is how to choose them: - Mango: Look for a mango that feels slightly soft when you press it. The skin should have a golden-yellow color. A few dark spots are okay. They show the mango is sweet. - Avocado: Choose avocados that yield to gentle pressure. They should be dark green to black. If they feel too hard, they are not ripe yet. Preparing ahead makes cooking easier. Here are some meal prep tips: - Chop Ahead: You can chop the mango, avocado, and other veggies a day before. Keep them in airtight containers. This saves time when you make the salad. - Storage Tips: Store leftovers in a sealed container. Add some lime juice to prevent browning. The salad tastes best within two days. Spice up your salad with these tips: - Herbs and Spices: Try adding fresh mint or basil for a twist. A pinch of cumin can add warmth. - Pairing Suggestions: This salad goes well with grilled chicken or shrimp. You can serve it with tortilla chips for a crunchy side. {{image_4}} You can boost your Mango Avocado Quinoa Salad with proteins. Chickpeas are a great choice. They add texture and flavor. Grilled chicken is another option. It brings a savory note. If you want a seafood twist, try shrimp. The shrimp pairs well with the fresh flavors. Just cook the shrimp until pink, then toss it in. This makes the salad filling and nutritious. You can easily make this salad vegan. Just skip the shrimp or chicken. It’s already packed with plant-based goodness. For gluten-free options, ensure your quinoa is pure. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. If you want a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice instead of quinoa. This keeps the salad low in carbs while still delicious. Fruits can change with the seasons. In summer, use peaches or nectarines. These add a sweet twist. In fall, consider apples or pears for crunch. Each fruit brings a unique taste. Mix and match based on what is fresh. This keeps your salad exciting year-round. For the full recipe, check the previous section. To keep your Mango Avocado Quinoa Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after you finish eating. This helps maintain its vibrant flavors and crisp textures. You can enjoy the salad for up to three days. However, the avocado may brown a bit. To slow this down, sprinkle some lime juice over the avocado pieces before storing. If you want to save the salad for a longer time, consider freezing it. However, the texture of the avocado will change after freezing. Instead, try freezing the quinoa and dressing separately. You can store the quinoa in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. The dressing can also go in a small jar in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To refresh the salad before serving, take it out of the fridge. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of lime juice or olive oil. This will help revive the flavors and moisture. Gently toss the salad with your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to mash the avocado. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best taste. For more detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time! It keeps well in the fridge for up to two days. To prep in advance, cook the quinoa first and let it cool. Chop the veggies and store them separately. Mix all ingredients just before serving for the best taste. This way, you keep everything fresh and bright. Mango Avocado Quinoa Salad is great with many dishes! It pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips. This salad is versatile and complements any meal. To keep your avocado fresh, add lime juice right after cutting it. The acid slows down browning. You can also store the salad in an airtight container. Cover it tightly to limit air exposure. If you have leftovers, eat them within a day for the best flavor. Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Store the quinoa and veggies in separate containers. Mix them together when you're ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh. You can also make the dressing ahead of time and store it in a jar. Just shake it before using! In this blog post, we covered how to create a fresh and vibrant Mango Avocado Quinoa Salad. We explored the ingredients, including quinoa, fruits, and spices, along with precise measurements. I shared step-by-step cooking tips, from quinoa preparation to dressing making. As you try this salad, remember to select ripe ingredients for the best flavor. Enjoy experimenting with variations and options. This salad is perfect for meal prep and can easily fit your dietary needs. Give it a try and enjoy a nutritious meal!

Mango Avocado Quinoa Salad

Brighten up your meals with this delicious Mango Avocado Quinoa Salad! This fresh, flavorful dish is easy to make and packed with vibrant ingredients like ripe mangoes, creamy avocados, and crunchy vegetables. Loaded with healthy goodness, it's perfect for any occasion, from lunch to dinner. Discover step-by-step instructions and tips for meal prep and variations in the full recipe. Click through to start creating this delightful salad today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

2 cups water or vegetable broth for cooking

1 ripe mango, peeled and diced

2 ripe avocados, peeled and diced

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1/2 red onion, finely diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional: 1 small jalapeño, finely minced (for a spicy kick)

Instructions
 

Cook the Quinoa: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and either water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes with the lid on.

    Chop the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the produce by carefully chopping the mango, avocados, red bell pepper, and red onion into small, even pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh cilantro, setting them aside.

      Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. If you enjoy some heat, add the minced jalapeño to the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring it’s balanced to your preference.

        Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa, diced mango, avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Gently mix all the ingredients together to combine without crushing the avocado.

          Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Using a large spoon, gently toss everything together, making sure the dressing coats all ingredients evenly while preserving the integrity of the avocado chunks.

            Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to rest for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl or on a colorful platter. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges around the edge for a fresh look. You can also sprinkle whole cherry tomatoes on top for an appealing pop of color and a touch of flair!