Celebrate the Fourth! Red, White and Blueberry Quinoa Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette
June 26, 2010 in Gluten Free, Healthy Fare, Side Dishes, Vegan Recipes
Sure, we love those pretty flag cakes with the white frosting, red strawberries lined up like stripes and blueberry stars in the corner. But I wanted to make something different yet festive – a patriotic salad. What to make that has those All-American colors? How about protein powerhouse white(ish) quinoa, red strawberries and blueberries. I know, I know. Quinoa is usually eaten savory style but I think it is a perfect mild canvas for sweet flavors.
This dish is a perfect Fourth of July recipe: a mayo-free refreshing fruity salad that can even go along on your next picnic. And the sweet tangy grapefruit vinaigrette is sublime! And, if you leave off the yogurt drizzle this is a great vegan dish.
So, cut yourself some watermelon triangles and place them in a star shape around the edges of your platter with the quinoa salad heaped in the middle. Drizzle on some Greek yogurt for a stripe-like flag effect. Then, just stand back and salute!
Happy Fourth, Everyone!
QUINOA FRUIT SALAD WITH GRAPEFRUIT VINAIGRETTE
1 cup quinoa
2 cups boiling salted water
1/2 cup fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
1 teaspoon grapefruit zest (or more to taste)
1 tablespoon agave nectar (or other sweetener of choice to taste)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup diced pecans
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup craisins
1 cup diced strawberries
Greek yogurt for drizzling ( I like vanilla flavored)
Cook quinoa in salted water at a simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
Meanwhile, make vinaigrette from grapefruit juice, zest, agave nectar, oil and salt and pepper. Stir vinaigrette into quinoa while quinoa is still hot. Let cool to room temperature and then toss in remaining ingredients. Chill at least one, up to 24 hours.
Just before serving, drizzle with yogurt.
Other inspiring quinoa salads:
Qunioa Salad, Kalyn’s Kitchen
Red Quinoa Salad, Kitchen Parade
Arugula Asparagus Quinoa Salad, Cooking with Amy
Quinoa Taco Salad, Gluten Free Goddess
Pineapple Curry Quinoa Salad, Poor Girl Eats Well
Quinoa Salad, Former Chef
Quinoa Salad, Tasty Eats at Home
– posted by Donna
You and Anne have a real talent at making healthy food delicious. Congrats on another beautiful recipe!
We’ll be making this to take along to our 4th of July festivities! Thanks for the fabulous idea!~
OOooh! That looks awesome!
Linda – You are most kind!
Justine – come back and let me know how you liked it. Would love to hear.
Anna – Exactly what I said!
You are sooo right!
Sounds so fresh and summery. Lovely.
[...] This Red, White and Blue Quinoa salad with Grapefruit Dressing has had my eye since it posted. With delicious summer fruit in full season, it’s time. [...]
[...] Check out other pictures of this beautiful salad plus view the recipe here. [...]
[...] – instant flavorful easy side dish. I like quinoa mixed into a fruit salad, and even made a patriotic version for the Fourth of [...]