Blood Orange Quinoa Salad & 4 Citrus Packed Recipes (2024)

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Raise your hand if you could eat quinoa every day?? Now raise your hand if you actuallydo eat quinoa every day????. Guilty as charged.

Lucky for you I always have a steady flow of quinoa recipes ready to go in this little brain of mine, so you never have to worry about missing out on this fine ancient grain. Today we’re making a DELISH blood orange quinoa salad with all the fixins. Happy Tuesday, folks!

this RECIPE

Spring is in the airand I couldn’t be happier because let’s be honest, no other season is as magical as spring. Sure, school’s out for summer, and winter chills bring Christmas spirit. But spring ushers in the birth of a new season: flowers bloom, colorfulproduce pops up in farmer’s markets, and everyone is just overall happier because they’re finally defrosted.

Plus, April is my birthday month, so that mayhave something to do with it. 😉

Blood Orange Quinoa Salad & 4 Citrus Packed Recipes (2)

Louisiana may be the #1 unhealthiest state in the country and going through a devastating financial crisis and dealing with all sorts of other stuff, but we damn sure know how to grow some fresh citrus. Two sets of my grandparents have grown satsumas, oranges, and grapefruits ever since I can remember. We always get bags upon bags of fresh citrus fruits during the winter and early spring.

No complaints about that, becausethey’rethe sweetest, juiciest, most delicious citrus fruitsever.My mom and I go through fresh satsumas like most people go through candy. I swear I could eat 10 a day (oh wait, I do).

When the crew wanted to bring you allsome fun spring recipes and citrus was mentioned, I was all like?because citrus fruits are so. dang. good. right now! Since I’m not at home, I unfortunately can’t have the hand-picked grapefruits and oranges from my grandparents. But I’m lucky to have some awesome farmer’s markets around me with the freshest stuff around!

Support your local farmers, yo.

Blood Orange Quinoa Salad & 4 Citrus Packed Recipes (3)

I wanted to make a light dish that would be perfect for dinner and also for leftovers to pack for lunch. You guys know how much I love leftovers, so anytime a meal can be easily packed up in my school bag, it’s a winner!

The Almighty Quinoa is the base for the salad, with black beans for even more protein and fiber.I used blood oranges because I love the color and the markets have some delicious ones out right now, but I think this would be great with oranges or grapefruit, too! Throw in some choppedred cabbage, and walnuts and avocado for the healthy fats we all love, and dinner is served in 30 minutes. Boom.

Blood Orange Quinoa Salad & 4 Citrus Packed Recipes (4)

Let’s see all the vegan goodiesthe gang cooked up with bright, fresh citrus fruits!

Alexa from Fooduzzi madeChewy Lemon Cookies with Coconut Icing and Pistachios. Shereally is the cookie queen!

Blood Orange Quinoa Salad & 4 Citrus Packed Recipes (5)

Leah from Love Me, Feed Me made a beautifulRosemary Orange Galette with Chamomile Maple Syrup. Can we all just appreciate that drizzle?!

Blood Orange Quinoa Salad & 4 Citrus Packed Recipes (6)

Kim from The Coconut Diaries baked someVegan Key Lime Pie Cookies. Plus, they’re gluten-, grain-, and dairy-free!

Blood Orange Quinoa Salad & 4 Citrus Packed Recipes (7)

Giselle from Diary of an ExSlothmadeOrange Grapefruit Chia Seed Marmalade. Brb going spread this on everything.

Blood Orange Quinoa Salad & 4 Citrus Packed Recipes (8)

I love teaming up with my ladies to bring you guys healthy recipes! And yes, cookies count as healthy today. 🙂

Your next mission: run, don’t walk, to your nearest farmer’s or produce market and grab ALL THE CITRUS. Good luck not eating all of them before you actually get to make one of these recipes, but I believe in you.

If you try this blood orange quinoa salad, post a picture on Instagram and tag me! I know you guys are going to love this light meal idea with the perfect amount of salty and sweet.

Blood Orange Quinoa Salad & 4 Citrus Packed Recipes (9)

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How to make:

Blood Orange Quinoa Salad + 4 Citrus Packed Recipes

Full of juicy blood oranges, protein-packed quinoa & black beans, & tons of veggies, this Blood Orange Quinoa Salad is perfect for a light dinner or lunch!

Blood Orange Quinoa Salad & 4 Citrus Packed Recipes (10)

Author:

Emilie

Yield:

4-5 1x

Rating: 5 from 1 reviews

Print the recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 blood oranges, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup red cabbage, chopped
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 ripe avocado, chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa in a small mesh strainer. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat; add quinoa. Cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Add 1 cup water; turn heat to high. Once boiling, cover and cook for 13-15 minutes, until fluffy.
  2. In a large bowl, add quinoa, black beans, oranges, cabbage, walnuts, and cilantro. Stir until ingredients are fully combined.
  3. In a small bowl, add orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, salt, garlic, and pepper. Whisk to combine. Pour over the salad mixture; stir until the dressing is evenly distributed.
  4. Gently fold in avocado. Stir to combine.
  5. Serve cold; top with additional cilantro, if desired.

Notes

If you don’t plan on eating the salad right after making, store the dressing separately and mix in right before eating.

Pin these vegan citrus packed recipes for later!

Blood Orange Quinoa Salad & 4 Citrus Packed Recipes (11)

April 19, 2016

Tagged with:

Appetizers avocados beans black beans Dinner Gluten Free Lunch nuts quinoa Salads Sides Soy Free

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20 comments

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20 comments

  • Kim says:

    I want to make this for my coworkers!! They're so anti-vegetables/color (especially cabbage) but I let them try my blood orange last week and they approved. I think this would be the perfect combo that they would enjoy. :D

    Reply

    • Emilie says:

      I don't see how people can not love fresh, beautiful produce!! This would definitely change their minds. :)

      Reply

    • Emilie says:

      The more colors, the better! Citrus is seriously nature's candy.

      Reply

  • Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It says:

    Sometimes I wish my family did cool things like grow our own produce, but I'm sure it's still a lot of work! Absolutely gorgeous photos Emilie, blood oranges are so pretty!

    Reply

    • Emilie says:

      Yes it is! They've been doing it for years. Thank you so much, Marina!

      Reply

  • Leah M @ love me, feed me says:

    This must be the prettiest quinoa salad in all the land! So much goodness packed in there too! Pretty sure I need to come to Louisiana before citrus season is over... Haha! I also need more quinoa in my life, it's been way tooooo long!

    Reply

    • Emilie says:

      Omg please come visit me!! Yasssss I swear I hoarde quinoa for fear of running out, haha. Now my boyfriend even loves it!

      Reply

  • Christina says:

    So gorgeous Emilie! I love a good quinoa salad. Hearty and light at the same time!

    Reply

    • Emilie says:

      Perfect for light spring meals! Quinoa is a winner every time.

      Reply

  • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says:

    I'm pretty sure blood oranges are my favorite! Can't get enough and I keep stocking up since they aren't going to last much longer!

    Reply

    • Emilie says:

      Same here! I'm enjoying all the fresh citrus for as long as I possibly can.

      Reply

  • Emily @Sinful Nutrition says:

    I'm one of the rare healthy food bloggers that can't get on the quinoa train. I do hoewever adore blood oranges, so that alone makes me want to give it another go with this recipe!

    Reply

    • Emilie says:

      You can do it!! I believe in you. ;) All of the flavors are so fresh - you'd love it!

      Reply

  • Catherine @ foodiecology says:

    This may be borderline blasphemy, but I've never been a huge quinoa fan. This, however, looks phenomenal and could make a believer out of me.I loooovvvvee fresh citrus and can eat satsumas like candy, too. In fact, my high school (& the town it's in) is named, you guessed it, Satsuma. ;-)I imagine this would taste even better as leftovers. Now, if only I could find blood oranges in my local grocery!

    Reply

    • Emilie says:

      Whaaaat?! You definitely need to come to the quinoa side. :) I think I would love the town of Satsuma! Haha. This salad is so fresh - you need to try it!

      Reply

  • Stella @ Stellicious Life says:

    I LOVE citruses (especially blood oranges), you are truly lucky that your grandparents provide you with their own homegrown ones :-) Love how colourful this salad is, beautiful! And I'm sure it tastes light and fresh as well, perfect for a fresh spring lunch!

    Reply

    • Emilie says:

      The homegrown ones are always so sweet and juicy, and grown with love. :) This really is the perfect spring meal!

      Reply

  • Cassie says:

    I know that every single state has its own health problems, whether through obesity, air pollution, water pollution and heart disease rates, but that doesn't mean you can't counteract those negative generalities and be healthy on your own, and this quinoa salad is definitely a way to go! I don't actually eat quinoa every day, but I do eat it multiple times a week and it is so delicious and nutritious! I never tried putting blood oranges with it, though!

    Reply

    • Emilie says:

      I definitely try to spread the message of healthy everywhere I go! All the flavors in here are SO amazing. I hope you get to try it out!

      Reply

Blood Orange Quinoa Salad & 4 Citrus Packed Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What flavors mix with blood orange? ›

Blood orange pair well with all types of less acidic fruit. These kinds of fruits attenuate blood orange's tartness, therefore: apricots, figs, strawberries, lime, lemon, mango, apples, melon and peaches. A marriage with pineapple mitigates the sour and slightly sulphurous notes of this orange.

Can you substitute blood oranges for oranges? ›

Try substituting blood oranges for other types of citrus, including grapefruit or navel oranges, in any of your favorite recipes. Because of their crimson hue, blood oranges make a beautiful addition to winter salads and pair particularly well with spicy or bitter greens.

How do you peel and eat a blood orange? ›

Start by cutting off the ends, score the skin from top to bottom. and carefully pull off the peel. Following the curve of the fruits. Slice the orange into rounds, remove any seeds and enjoy.

How do you serve blood oranges? ›

Blood oranges can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. You can use the segments in salads, make a refreshing juice or co*cktail, or incorporate the zest into baked goods for a unique flavor.

What flavors complement blood orange? ›

Blood orange: Pairs well with almond, cardamom, chocolate, cinnamon, clove, fig, ginger, honey, and other citrus fruits. Currants (black and red): Pair well with chocolate and citrus.

What colors compliment blood orange? ›

Directly across red orange in the color wheel, you'll find blue and green hues; combined, these make for an eye-catching palette. Combine red orange with pink hues, on the other hand, and you get a feminine feel. Red orange also pairs beautifully with purples and yellows and any other hue you'd expect to see in nature.

Are blood oranges any healthier than regular oranges? ›

Both oranges have similar amounts of vitamin C for nutrition. The difference between these two varieties of orange is that blood oranges have an antioxidant called anthocyanin. This antioxidant gives blood oranges their distinct color, but it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

How long do blood oranges last in the fridge? ›

5) When storing, blood oranges will last for a week in a bowl at room temperature, or three weeks in the fridge. 6) While available, buy extra and freeze the juice in airtight containers so you can still enjoy them out of season.

What season is blood orange? ›

Blood oranges tend to be easier to peel than other oranges, often have fewer seeds, and have a sweeter taste. Their season is typically from December through April, so they can be harder to find and more expensive than naval or other common oranges.

What two fruits make a blood orange? ›

The blood orange is a natural mutation of the orange, which is itself a hybrid, probably between the pomelo and the tangerine. Within Europe, the arancia rossa di Sicilia (red orange of Sicily) has Protected Geographical Status.

Can you eat blood orange by itself? ›

Similar to other citrus fruits, blood oranges can also be enjoyed as a simple snack on the go. Just peel them and enjoy! Blood oranges have a unique flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or added to a variety of recipes.

What tastes good with blood orange? ›

Some suggestions to combine flavors and enhance their qualities in terms of taste, texture and color.
  • Pink grapefruit.
  • Pink Guava.
  • Mango.
  • Mango & Passion fruit.

Why do people eat blood oranges? ›

Blood oranges are full of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant. These are the pigments that give them their dark red color. These antioxidants are known for their anti-cancer properties. They help your body reduce damage from free radicals, decreasing the chance that cells will become cancerous.

Where is the best place to store blood oranges? ›

The flesh of blood oranges has fewer seeds and is sweeter than other varieties. Store blood oranges at room temperature and they'll last several days. You can extend their shelf life for as long as two weeks by placing them in the refrigerator.

What scents go well with blood orange? ›

Blood orange essential oil blends well with vanilla, turmeric, nutmeg, myrrh, marjoram sweet, mandarin, lemon, lavender, juniper berry, coriander, clove bud, clary sage, and more.

What herb pairs well with blood orange? ›

Blood oranges pair particularly well with winter herbs like thyme, rosemary, and mint — some of our favorite winter herbs. Blood orange co*cktail recipes are also especially beautiful with their deep red-orange color.

Does blood orange and lime go together? ›

Blood orange season is just the best season. This blood orange spritzer is made with fresh blood orange juice, a touch of lime, jalapeno peppers and bubbly seltzer. A hint of sweet, a hint of heat and lots of fizziness makes this the perfect mocktail.

What flavor is the blood orange refresher? ›

This latest addition to our all-star Dunkin' Refresher line-up balances bold, sweet blood orange with the seasonal taste of tart cranberry.

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