Cucumber Blueberry Quinoa Salad + Blood Orange Vinaigrette {GF, vegan}

This Cucumber & Blueberry Quinoa Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette is light, bright, and fresh. Crunchy cucumber, salty bits of feta, a hint of mint, and pop of blueberry sweetness, surrounded by mildly nutty quinoa, are all wrapped in a refreshing blood orange vinaigrette.

 

Quinoa… the perfect example of “small but mighty”.

Those tiny little seeds are packed with nutrition and healthy goodness! In spite of preparing it like a grain, quinoa is actually not a grain. Rather, it is a gluten- and grain-free pseudograin that’s perfect for many people with allergies and sensitivities.

In addition to antioxidants and minerals like manganese and magnesium, quinoa contains 9 essential amino acids — making it a complete protein and a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

Wildly Organic’s Quinoa Is A Blank Canvas Awaiting Your Creative Flair

Even though quinoa is not actually a grain, it’s more like whole grains, nutritionally speaking. Because the seed is whole and intact, quinoa contains more fiber and nutrients (unlike white rice and flour which have the bran and/or germ removed).

 

Not only is quinoa incredibly nutritious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Quinoa has a wonderfully mild, slightly nutty flavor. This makes it take almost any seasoning, sauce, or dressing very well.

You can make quinoa-based dishes for any meal of the day. For breakfast, this Coconut Quinoa Porridge is delightful. For supper, perhaps a Quinoa Sesame Stir Fry hits the spot.

And sometimes, you want an easy, flavorful, nourishing salad!

Cucumber & Blueberry Quinoa Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette

This Cucumber & Blueberry Quinoa Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette is light, bright, and fresh. Crunchy cucumber, salty bits of feta, a hint of mint, and pop of blueberry sweetness, surrounded by mildly nutty quinoa, are all wrapped in a refreshing blood orange vinaigrette.

It’s a perfect companion to your favorite healthy main dishes or proteins. Grilled meats or veggies are awesome with this light and delicious salad. Or, eat it alone if you’re not into meat.

For best flavor, plan on some chill time in the fridge and prep this salad a few hours before serving. You can also make it the night before — great for meal prep, potlucks, or picnics.

 

Quinoa is a great hot side dish, but have you tried it in a salad?

Cucumber & Blueberry Quinoa Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette {gluten-free, vegan}
This Cucumber & Blueberry Quinoa Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette is light, bright, and fresh. Crunchy cucumber, salty bits of feta, a hint of mint, and pop of blueberry sweetness, surrounded by mildly nutty quinoa, are all wrapped in a refreshing blood orange vinaigrette.
    Servings6 cups, approximately
    Ingredients
    • 1/2cup blood orange juicejuice of one orange
    • 2tablespoons coconut vinegar
    • 3tablespoons Wildly Organic Olive Oil
    • 1teaspoon Wildly Organic Coconut Syrup
    • 1/2teaspoon Wildly Organic Himalayan Pink Salt
    • 1/4teaspoon freshly ground black pepperor to taste
    • 1 shallotfinely minced
    • 2cloves fresh garlicpressed or finely minced
    • 4cups quinoacooked - cooled to room temperature
    • 1 seedless cucumberapproximately 2 cups, chopped
    • 1cup fresh blueberries
    • 3tablespoons feta cheeseoptional, this is not a vegan-friendly cheese.
    • 1/4cup fresh mintchopped
    Instructions
    1. Whisk together the blood orange juice, coconut vinegar, olive oil, coconut syrup, salt, and pepper.
    2. Stir in shallot and garlic and set aside.
    3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, cucumbers, blueberries, feta cheese, and fresh mint.
    4. Whisk together the vinaigrette, then pour over the quinoa mixture and mix well to evenly combine.
    5. Refrigerate for an hour or two (or overnight) to allow the flavors to develop.

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