Quinoa Fruit Salad with Lime and Fresh Mint
Light, refreshing salad combining precooked quinoa with mixed fresh fruit, strawberries, and bright lime-mint dressing. Ready in minutes, this no-cook fruit salad works as a side dish or light meal. The citrus and herbs complement the mild quinoa and sweet fruit perfectly.
Ingredients
- 8.8 oz precooked white quinoa, 1 packagered quinoa1:1gluten-freewhole-grain
adds depth of flavor
- 16 oz mixed fresh fruit such as cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, and blueberries, cut into bite-size piecesfrozen mixed fruit1:1no-prepbudget-friendly
thaw and drain before using to prevent excess moisture
- 2 limes, zest and juicelemons1:1citrus
similar acidity, slightly different flavor profile
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- ¼ oz fresh mint, finely chopped
Instructions
- 1
Microwave quinoa according to package directions.
- 2
Transfer quinoa to a large serving bowl and cool for about 5 minutes.
- 3
Meanwhile, cut mixed fruit into bite-size pieces if needed.
- 4
Add lime zest from both limes and juice from 1 lime to the quinoa.
- 5
Add strawberries, mint, and chopped fruit to the bowl.
- 6
Toss until thoroughly combined.
Tips
Prepare up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate until serving to let flavors meld.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Flavors are best the day prepared.
Prepare fruit and chop mint up to 4 hours ahead. Combine all ingredients just before serving to prevent soggy salad.
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish, light lunch, or refreshing dessert.
Common Mistakes
Do not cut fruit too far ahead to avoid excess moisture and oxidation.
Do not skip cooling the quinoa to prevent wilting the fresh herbs.
Do not oversqueeze the limes; 1 lime provides balanced tartness without overpowering.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
adds depth of flavor
General Alternatives
similar acidity, slightly different flavor profile
thaw and drain before using to prevent excess moisture