Citrus Fennel Quinoa Grain Salad (Printable Version)
Nutty quinoa mingles with crisp fennel and bright citrus in this vibrant Mediterranean grain bowl.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
→ Vegetables & Fruit
03 - 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced (reserve fronds for garnish)
04 - 1 orange, peeled and segmented
05 - 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
06 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
→ Dressing
08 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
12 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Optional Additions
14 - 1/4 cup roasted pistachios or almonds, chopped
15 - 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan)
# How To Make:
01 - Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let cool to room temperature.
02 - While quinoa cooks, thinly slice the fennel bulb and red onion. Segment the orange and grapefruit, removing all pith and seeds.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, fennel, citrus segments, red onion, and parsley. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine.
05 - Sprinkle with roasted nuts, feta (if using), and reserved fennel fronds.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The quinoa absorbs all that citrus vinaigrette like a sponge but still keeps its fluffy texture
- Fennel and citrus are one of those combinations that make people ask what exactly makes it taste so special
02 -
- Warm quinoa makes fresh herbs wilt fast so let it cool completely before tossing everything together
- Removing all the white pith from the citrus is what takes this from good to absolutely excellent
03 -
- To segment citrus like a chef cut between the membranes and each segment will fall out perfectly juice free
- Toast your nuts in a dry pan for three minutes before adding them and thank me later for the depth of flavor