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Plating your Light Citrus Quinoa Salad beautifully can elevate its appeal, making it a centerpiece for any meal. Here are a few ideas for presentation:

Light Citrus Quinoa Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of the Light Citrus Quinoa Salad, a refreshing dish that’s packed with nutrients and easy to prepare. This salad combines fluffy quinoa with fresh vegetables and a zesty citrus dressing, offering a satisfying crunch in every bite. Perfect for families or busy individuals, it can be enjoyed as a main course or a side. Elevate your meal with optional proteins and customize it to your taste while enjoying a healthy and delicious experience.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

2 cups water or vegetable broth

Zest and juice of 1 orange

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Zest and juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1 avocado, diced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Quinoa: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with the water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid. Remove the saucepan from heat, keep it covered, and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes. After that, fluff the quinoa gently with a fork and allow it to cool completely.

    Prepare the Citrus Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. Add the zests of all three citrus fruits, olive oil, honey (if using), sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture together until all the ingredients are well blended and emulsified.

      Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Pour the prepared citrus dressing over the salad and gently toss the mixture until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

        Add Avocado and Cheese: Right before serving, delicately fold in the diced avocado and, if desired, the crumbled feta cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

          Serve: Serve your Light Citrus Quinoa Salad either chilled or at room temperature. This vibrant dish is great as a light lunch, an inviting side dish for dinner, or a show-stopping potluck selection!

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 35 minutes | 4 servings

              Presentation Tips: For a beautiful display, serve the salad in a large, decorative bowl and sprinkle additional cilantro and feta on top for garnish. Enjoy!