Dive into a burst of flavors with this Fresh Tomato Mango Quinoa Salad! Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, this salad combines the nutty taste of quinoa with the sweetness of mango and the tanginess of tomatoes. It’s a delightful mix that will leave your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this vibrant, healthy dish!
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Hey everyone! Sarah Lee here, and today we’ll explore the Fresh Tomato Mango Quinoa Salad recipe. This delightful dish was born out of one of those magical moments in the kitchen where necessity and creativity were needed to collide.
Behind The Fresh Tomato Mango Quinoa Salad Recipe
A few summers ago, we hosted a spontaneous backyard barbecue with our friends and family. As the grill sizzled and kids laughed in the background, I realized I needed a light, refreshing side dish to complement the rich flavors of our grilled favorites.
So I went to the kitchen and I rummaged through the pantry. Luckily, I found some ripe mangoes, juicy tomatoes, and a bag of quinoa. With a dash of inspiration and a pinch of experimentation, this vibrant salad came to life. To my surprise, our visitors loved the salad and it quickly became a go-to for our summer gatherings. Now, I’m excited to share it with you!
I Know What It’s Like
As a busy mom and a dietitian, I know the struggle of balancing nutritious meals with a hectic schedule. That’s why I love this Fresh Tomato Mango Quinoa Salad. It’s not only packed with flavor but also super easy to make, perfect for those busy weeknights or lazy summer afternoons.
Imagine bringing this to your next picnic or barbecue and watching as your friends and family rave about the burst of flavors. Or picture yourself enjoying a peaceful lunch break with this salad, knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. This recipe is incredibly versatile.
Quinoa is gluten-free and packed with nutrients like protein, zinc, fiber, and folate, as well as antioxidants.
Healthline
When you take your first bite of this tomato mango quinoa salad, you’ll experience the nutty taste of quinoa mingling with the sweet, juicy mango and the tangy tomatoes. The fresh cilantro adds a refreshing herbaceous kick, while the chives provide a subtle, oniony flavor. It’s a collection of tastes and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Chef’s Notes:
- For added crunch, consider tossing in some chopped nuts or seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra color and nutrition.
Fresh Tomato Mango Quinoa Salad
Dive into a burst of flavors with this Fresh Tomato Mango Quinoa Salad! Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, this salad combines the nutty taste of quinoa with the sweetness of mango and the tanginess of tomatoes. It’s a delightful mix that will leave your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this vibrant, healthy dish!
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes250
kcal10
minutes35
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Salad
1 ½ cups uncooked quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
3 cups water
2 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, diced
1 large ripe mango, peeled and cubed
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
- For the Dressing
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon whole mustard seeds
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon agave nectar
- Alternative Ingredients:
Quinoa: Substitute with couscous or bulgur wheat for a different texture.
Mango: Use pineapple or peaches if mango is unavailable.
Cilantro: Replace with parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.
Agave Nectar: Honey or maple syrup can be used as a sweetener.
Directions
- Cooking Quinoa – Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Simmering Quinoa – Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender.
- Draining Quinoa – If there’s excess water after cooking, pour the quinoa into a fine-mesh strainer to drain it. Return the quinoa to the saucepan and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Preparing Salad Ingredients – While the quinoa cools, dice the tomatoes and mango. Chop the cilantro and chives.
- Mixing Salad – In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, mango cubes, chopped cilantro, and chives.
- Making Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, mustard seeds, salt, black pepper, and agave nectar until well combined.
- Combining Salad and Dressing – Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serving and Storing – Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days for a chilled option.
Equipment
- measuring cups and spoons
- fine mesh strainer
- 2-quart saucepan with lid
- knife set
- cutting board
- mixing bowls
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 50mg
- Calcium: 4mg
- Iron: 10mg
Enjoy The Fresh Tomato Mango Quinoa Salad Adventure
I hope this Fresh Tomato Mango Quinoa Salad becomes a beloved part of your recipe collection, just as it has in mine. It’s a delightful dish that’s mixed with flavors and textures that are sure to impress your friends and family.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and customizable to your preference. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a healthy option for meal prepping, this salad is a fantastic choice.
So, the next time you find yourself in need of a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, give this recipe a try. I’d love to hear about your experience with it and any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!
FAQs: Fresh Tomato Mango Quinoa Salad
Is this salad recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, this recipe is versatile and caters to several dietary needs. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian. If you have any specific allergies or dietary restrictions, feel free to swap out ingredients as needed. For instance, you can replace the agave nectar with honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
What can I use instead of mango?
If mangoes are out of season or unavailable, you can use other fruits like pineapple, peaches, or even strawberries. These fruits will provide a similar sweet and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients in the salad.
Can I use a different dressing?
Definitely! While the lemon vinaigrette in this recipe adds a fresh and tangy flavor, you can experiment with other dressings. A balsamic vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing would also pair well with the ingredients.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the salad seems a bit dry after being refrigerated, you can freshen it up with a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
How do I know when the quinoa is cooked?
Quinoa is cooked when the grains have absorbed all the water and become tender. You’ll also notice that the grains will look fluffy and you’ll see tiny spirals (the germ) coming off the quinoa. If there’s any excess water, simply drain it off using a fine-mesh strainer.
Here are salad dressing recipes that you might want to pair with your mango salad:
Zesty Ginger Tahini Dressing
Cooks in 5 minutesDifficulty: EasyElevate your salads with this Zesty Ginger Tahini Dressing! Bursting with fresh lime and ginger, this creamy dressing is a game-changer. Perfect for those who love a tangy twist, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and low in sugar. Whip it up in just 5 minutes and enjoy a delightful Asian-inspired flavor that will make your taste buds dance. Store the leftovers for up to three weeks and keep the deliciousness coming!
Strawberry Balsamic Mustard Seed Dressing
Cooks in 5 minutesDifficulty: EasyDiscover the vibrant flavors of our Strawberry Balsamic Mustard Seed Dressing, a perfect blend for any salad! This quick, easy-to-make dressing combines fresh strawberries with a hint of mustard seeds and balsamic vinegar, creating a delightful addition to your culinary creations. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s ideal for busy food lovers seeking a gourmet touch in their meals.
