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Berry quinoa salad is perfect for hot days. It's loaded with juicy berries, fluffy quinoa, and a bright citrusy honey drizzle. You can toss it together for breakfast, snack time, or when you want something pretty and healthy on your table fast.
Whenever berries show up at the market, my family asks for this. The sweet-tart sauce came from a lemonade stand day growing up. It vanishes quick whenever brunch rolls around.
Lively Ingredients
- Finely chopped fresh mint and basil: These smell amazing and give the salad a punch Grab soft leaves and chop right before throwing in
- Chopped almonds or candied pecans: Get crunch from these, plus some healthy fats Toast or candy them for extra oomph
- Orange zest and juice: Zippy citrus lifts the sweetness Use fresh oranges—only zest the colored part
- Honey: Adds a yummy sweetness Liquid works best for mixing
- Lemon and lime juice: These give your salad a bright tang Squeeze them fresh for the best flavor
- Cooked quinoa: Fluffy quinoa pulls everything together White or tricolor both work Cook till light, not sad and mushy
- Blueberries: Little bursts of flavor Hunt for berries with their natural silvery glow and no wrinkled skins
- Blackberries: Deep color and just a gentle tartness Pick ones that look shiny and feel firm
- Strawberries: All that juicy sweetness Choose berries with bright red color and leafy tops
- Raspberries: Tangy, soft, and perfect for the sweet-tart finish Pick ones that aren’t mushy or flat
Easy Steps
- Serve:
- Dive in right away since quinoa soaks up dressing fast For extra flair, lay the salad out on a big dish with more berries and herbs on top
- Dress and Toss:
- Pour all your citrus-honey mix over everything Gently fold till it’s shiny and speckled with herbs Taste and splash in more citrus if you want
- Combine Berries and Nuts:
- Toss strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries into the quinoa Then tip in nuts (almonds or pecans), plus all the herbs Use a big spatula and go easy so the berries don’t get smashed
- Prepare the Salad Base:
- Drop the cool, fluffy quinoa into a big bowl Swirl a fork through to make sure it’s not clumpy This keeps everything light with no sogginess
- Make the Dressing:
- Grab a little jar or bowl Mix in orange zest, juice, lemon, lime, honey, and both herbs Whisk or shake till honey’s gone and herbs are spread around Let the zest give the dressing a big citrus kick
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For me, that mint-basil combo really tastes like pure summer All those garden herbs went into the salad at my cousin’s picnic—even my super picky aunt went back for more
Storage Ideas
Keep leftovers sealed in the fridge up to two days It stays freshest if you stash the citrus dressing separately Drained quinoa keeps in the fridge for up to three days and fluffs up easy If things go soggy, just mix in new berries or toss on extra nuts for crunch
Ingredient Swaps
Out of mint or basil? Use whichever you’ve got or try some chopped cilantro No honey? Agave is perfect for making it vegan Not enough berries? Cut up mango, peach, or even kiwi instead Can’t do almonds or pecans? Walnuts or sunflower seeds fit right in if nuts are a worry
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Serving Tips
Share this at brunch, cookouts, or even baby showers Serve with Greek yogurt for a parfait, or pile on grilled chicken to make it hearty Want to wow people? Layer in clear cups with more herbs and drizzle on extra dressing
Interesting Background
Quinoa’s an ancient South American plant—grows easy, super healthy Summer berries have been a favorite fruit in North America and Europe for ages The sweet citrus and fresh herbs add a modern, global pop that everyone loves
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to swap in different berries?
Yep! Swap in whatever mix of fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries you have on hand.
- → Should the quinoa be at room temp before combining?
Definitely! Make sure your quinoa cools down all the way, so your berries and herbs stay fresh and don’t get soggy.
- → Any good nut substitutes if I don’t have almonds?
Pecans with a sweet coat are tasty, or you can try walnuts or pistachios for something different.
- → How long does it keep once it’s made?
Best if you eat it right away, but pop it in a sealed container in the fridge and it’s still good for about a day.
- → What goes well on the side?
Try it next to grilled fish, chicken, or put it out with a bunch of summer brunch favorites.
- → Should I prep the dressing in advance?
For sure, the citrus honey dressing keeps great in your fridge overnight if you want to make it ahead.