Laurel of Leaves

getting back to my roots: my journey in true health and natural living

Real Food Recipes, Salads

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.

Orange Fennel Quinoa Salad

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).

Chopping Fennel

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 taste

Directions:

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.

Orange Fennel Quinoa Salad

Serve as a main dish or a side salad, garnished with mandarin oranges, for a low-sugar, protein-packed, gluten-free meal!

Orange Fennel Quinoa Salad

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

  1. Rhi@The Challenged Cook

    May 19, 2011 at 5:44 am

    I 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.

  2. Shu Han

    May 19, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    that 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!

  3. Shu Han

    May 19, 2011 at 4:42 pm

    oh 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

  4. Kristen at Hillside Hideaway

    May 20, 2011 at 2:31 am

    This looks SO GOOD! I like quinoa and have been wanting to cook some up at home…this recipe sounds fantastic. Thanks for sharing!

  5. Vicki V

    May 20, 2011 at 8:51 am

    I 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!

  6. 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. […]

  7. Jan's Sushi Bar

    January 9, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    Laurel, this looks absolutely delicious! Thank you so much for linking it to Make Ahead Monday!

  8. 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. […]

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