Grilled Pineapple and Cilantro Quinoa (Printable Version)

Vibrant tropical salad with smoky grilled pineapple, fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, and zesty cilantro-lime dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water

→ Fruits & Vegetables

03 - 1 medium ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch slices
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 small cucumber, diced
07 - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped

→ Herbs & Aromatics

08 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dressing

09 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
10 - Juice of 2 limes
11 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How To Make:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let cool.
02 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill pineapple slices for 2–3 minutes per side, until char marks appear and the fruit caramelizes. Remove and let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, maple syrup or honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
04 - In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, grilled pineapple pieces, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between warm grilled pineapple and cool crisp vegetables makes every bite exciting
  • It actually tastes better after sitting for an hour, making it perfect for meal prep or parties
  • The cilantro lime dressing ties everything together like a culinary hug
02 -
  • Warm grilled pineapple can wilt the other vegetables, so let it cool slightly before tossing
  • The quinoa must be completely cooled or the dressing will absorb too quickly
  • This salad tastes even better after the flavors have time to mingle for an hour
03 -
  • Use a cast iron grill pan indoors when the weather won't cooperate with outdoor grilling
  • Extra lime squeezed over the top right before serving brings everything to life

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