Kiwi and Quinoa Salad

Kiwi and Quinoa Salad

This Kiwi and Quinoa Salad is a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite! The soft sweetness of fresh, ripe kiwi fruit is balanced with the nutritious nuttiness of quinoa. Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, while red onion brings a touch of sharpness. A light dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh mint leaves ties it all together, creating a lively and healthy dish that's as enjoyable as a light lunch, a side dish, or a unique contribution to a potluck.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste)
  • Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon, or to taste)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Lemon juice (1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed)
  • Fresh mint leaves (1/4 cup, finely chopped)
  • Red onion (1 medium, thinly sliced)
  • Cucumber (1 medium, peeled and diced)
  • Kiwi (3 ripe, peeled and sliced)
  • Water (2 cups)
  • Quinoa (1 cup, rinsed)

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the quinoa simmer for around 12-15 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and all the water has been absorbed.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the quinoa to cool to room temperature.
  4. While the quinoa is cooling, prepare your dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  5. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, sliced kiwi, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped mint leaves.
  6. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad, and gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring everything is well-coated.
  7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend together. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Salad • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 15 minutes • Chill Time: 30 minutes • Total Time: 1 hour • Calories: 220 • Fat: 8g • Carbs: 33g • Protein: 6g • Sodium: 300mg • Sugar: 9g