Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This quinoa fruit salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish that’s both satisfying and light. The quinoa provides a healthy base full of fiber and protein, while the fresh fruits add natural sweetness and antioxidants. The honey-lime dressing elevates the flavors, making it a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. It’s a versatile dish, perfect for warm weather, and easy to customize with any of your favorite fruits. Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be made vegan by omitting the honey.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 cup blueberries
1 cup mango, diced
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
1 tablespoon honey
Juice of 1 lime

Directions

Cook the Quinoa: If you haven’t already, cook the quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Fruit: Hull and quarter the strawberries, dice the mango, and prepare the blueberries and mint.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice until the honey dissolves completely.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, strawberries, blueberries, mango, and chopped mint.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add Nuts or Seeds: For extra crunch, add toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts.
Swap the Fruit: Feel free to use other fruits like peaches, pineapple, or grapes to customize the salad based on what’s in season.
Vegan Option: Use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey for a fully plant-based version.
Herb Twist: Add a handful of basil or cilantro in place of mint for a different herbal note.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover quinoa fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there is no need to reheat.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to 4 hours in advance. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the fruits fresh.

Can I use frozen fruit?

Yes, frozen fruit works, but it may release extra liquid as it thaws. If using frozen fruit, consider draining it before adding to the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad an excellent option for gluten-free diets.

Can I substitute the quinoa with something else?

You can try substituting quinoa with farro, couscous, or rice if desired, but quinoa gives a nice texture and protein boost.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute if you prefer a vegan option.

How long does quinoa fruit salad last?

This salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 1–2 days, but the fruits may start to soften over time.

Can I add a protein source to this salad?

Yes, adding a protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese can make this salad a more filling meal.

Can I make this salad without mint?

Yes, if you don’t like mint, you can omit it or replace it with another fresh herb like basil or parsley.

What can I serve this salad with?

This quinoa fruit salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of lime?

Yes, you can substitute lime juice with lemon or orange juice for a different citrus flavor.

Conclusion

This quinoa fruit salad with honey-lime dressing is a light, refreshing, and nutritious dish that’s easy to make and packed with vibrant flavors. The combination of fresh fruit, quinoa, and a tangy honey-lime dressing creates a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether you serve it as a side, snack, or light lunch, this salad is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s customizable, so feel free to adjust the fruits or toppings based on your preferences!

Quinoa Fruit Salad

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This quinoa fruit salad with honey-lime dressing is a refreshing, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for warm weather. With quinoa, fresh strawberries, blueberries, and mango, it’s both nutritious and satisfying. The honey-lime dressing adds a zesty sweetness, making it the perfect side dish, light lunch, or snack for any occasion. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and easily made vegan, this salad is customizable to fit your dietary needs.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup strawberries, hulled and quartered

1 cup blueberries

1 cup mango, diced

2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

1 tablespoon honey

Juice of 1 lime

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Instructions

Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool to room temperature.
Hull and quarter the strawberries, dice the mango, and prepare the blueberries and mint.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice until the honey dissolves completely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, strawberries, blueberries, mango, and chopped mint.
Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Notes

Variations: Add toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts for extra crunch. Feel free to swap fruits based on what’s in season, like peaches or pineapple.

Vegan Option: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a fully plant-based version.

Herb Twist: Swap mint for basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American