Orange Fennel Quinoa Salad
I love love love quinoa. A gluten-free seed (not grain like most people think) that offers up hefty doses of manganese, magnesium, and protein. What’s not to love?
It’s honestly not too tasty when eaten on its own, but throw in some veggies, fruits, nuts, oils, etc. and you have a masterpiece!
There are oodles of combinations for quinoa salads. This is a new favorite of mine that I think you’ll love too.
If you’re not familiar with fennel, this is a great chance to try something new. Fennel has a subtle licorice flavor (save the stalks to make licorice tea!) and is very high in vitamin C. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, so definitely add it to your diet if you struggle with anything ending in -itis (arthritis, etc. ‘-itis’ means inflammation).
Orange Fennel Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
1 c. uncooked quinoa 2 c. water or broth 1 fennel bulb 3-4 mandarin oranges, peeled & segmented 1/2 large red onion (or 1 small red onion), thinly sliced 1 avocado, diced 1/2 c. almonds, roughly chopped 3-4 Tbsp. olive oil sea salt & pepper to tasteDirections:
Combine quinoa and water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
In the meantime, thinly slice fennel bulb and roughly chop. Carefully chop the orange slices into small pieces, saving some segments for garnish.
Combine fennel, oranges, red onion, avocado, and almonds in a large mixing bowl.
When quinoa is cooked, let cool slightly before adding to mixing bowl and tossing with olive oil, sea salt, & pepper.
Serve as a main dish or a side salad, garnished with mandarin oranges, for a low-sugar, protein-packed, gluten-free meal!
What’s your favorite version of a quinoa salad?
This post is linked to Real Food Wednesday, It’s a Keeper, Pennywise Platter, Foodie Friday, Make Ahead Monday
Comments are closed.
Rhi@The Challenged Cook
May 19, 2011 at 5:44 amI bought a bag of quinoa on my last shopping trip. I had no real idea what to do with it, just that I’d heard about it’s health benefits. I know what I’ll be cooking with it now! Thanks for the idea.
Shu Han
May 19, 2011 at 4:38 pmthat looks so fresh and delicious! I have never tried fennel before. I just don’t know what to do with it! definitely getting some on my next trip to the farmers’ market. thanks for sharing!
Shu Han
May 19, 2011 at 4:42 pmoh forgot to mention, my favourite way with quinoa is with some spices to give it some kick, with some dried fruits/nuts, moroccan style, and i find it great stuffed in chicken too, not just as salad!
http://mummyicancook.blogspot.com/2010/12/moroccan-couscous-stuffed-chicken.html
Quinoa « Rambling with Rosie
May 19, 2011 at 11:45 pm[…] https://www.laurelofleaves.com/2011/05/orange-fennel-quinoa-salad/ […]
Kristen at Hillside Hideaway
May 20, 2011 at 2:31 amThis looks SO GOOD! I like quinoa and have been wanting to cook some up at home…this recipe sounds fantastic. Thanks for sharing!
Vicki V
May 20, 2011 at 8:51 amI have a whole bag of quinoa in my pantry waiting to be used, so I am happy to see your recipe! I especially like that it’s a salad and uses an ingredient that I’ve never used before: fresh fennel. Must try!
Guest Post with Laurel of Leaves: Lime & Mint Chicken Coleslaw — Healthful Pursuit
August 30, 2011 at 5:45 am[…] There truly are endless possibilities on the salad front. Any time you can add more greens into your diet, I say go for it. But just because it’s a salad doesn’t mean it has to have lettuce as the base. Take, for example, my Orange Fennel Quinoa Salad. […]
Jan's Sushi Bar
January 9, 2012 at 12:56 pmLaurel, this looks absolutely delicious! Thank you so much for linking it to Make Ahead Monday!
Beef & Broccoli Curry
July 20, 2012 at 7:38 pm[…] Serve your curry with brown rice or quinoa with some veggies & hummus on the side. If you opt for the quinoa, make life easier and cook up some extra for tomorrow’s lunch. One of my favorite quinoa dishes is an Orange Fennel Quinoa Salad. […]