Carrot Ribbon Quinoa Citrus (Printable Version)
Tender carrot ribbons meet fluffy quinoa in a bright citrus dressing with fresh herbs and seasonal fruits.
# Ingredient List:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup uncooked quinoa
02 - 2 cups water
→ Vegetables
03 - 3 large carrots, peeled
04 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
05 - 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
→ Citrus & Fruit
06 - 1 orange, segmented
07 - 1/2 grapefruit, segmented
→ Herbs & Aromatics
08 - 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ Dressing
10 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 tablespoon orange juice
13 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
14 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
15 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Garnish
16 - 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds
17 - Zest of 1 orange
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Allow to cool completely before assembling salad.
02 - Using a vegetable peeler, run it lengthwise down each peeled carrot to create long, thin ribbons. Continue until all carrots are shaved into ribbons.
03 - In a large salad bowl, add cooled quinoa, carrot ribbons, sliced cucumber, spinach or mixed greens, orange segments, grapefruit segments, chopped mint, and parsley.
04 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified and smooth.
05 - Pour the citrus dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without crushing the delicate components. Top with toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds and orange zest. Serve immediately while fresh.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The quinoa keeps you satisfied for hours without the heavy post-meal slump
- Every bite delivers bright citrus notes that wake up your palate
02 -
- Quinoa must be rinsed thoroughly or finished dish will taste unpleasantly bitter
- Carrot ribbons should be cut no thicker than paper or they become tough to chew
03 -
- Let quinoa cool completely before combining with delicate greens to prevent wilting
- Use vegetable peeler to shave cheese on top if adding dairy component