All these New Year resolutions, new habits, word-of-the-year business have birthed this Avocado Quinoa Salad.

A plate of Avocado Quinoa Salad with avocados and tomatoes in the background

I did not write down a list, a word, a phrase that I swear to abide by for the rest of the year. Not on paper. Or a digital device.

I did, however, go into 2019 with a personal plan – a rather simple one. No official writing-it-down; I just wanted a guideline; and it lies in my head. And the plan is to eat better.

And oh yes, you better believe I have been on a salad-eating, carb-cutting, portion-controlling, sugar-reducing mode since those days of holidays feasting.

If you are wondering about the progress report – I have definitely been eating healthier, but cutting sweets is hard my friends, and I do have occasional cheats. Because who doesn’t, really? I’ve also created yummy foods that I have loved and keep going back to. Which brings us to the topic at hand – this Avocado Quinoa Salad. It’s healthy food that also gets the yummy prize. Hashtag my kind of healthy food.

There’s so much to love about an Avocado Quinoa Salad. We are not talking about a plain old, boring salad here. We are talking protein-packed and healthy, while being flavor-bursting, delicious and versatile. It works great as a low-carb side to any meal, or as a light meal by itself!

Table of Contents

What is quinoa? How to make quinoa?

What is your relationship status with quinoa? Completely stragers, best friends, or is it complicated?

I did not know what to do with quinoa for the longest time. Quinoa is a grain that is high in protein and low in carbs. It has lots of health benefits and is a great substitute for rice and pasta. By itself it can be a little plain (just like rice by itself is pretty plain), but add some flavors and textures to it and it makes a super healthy and yummy dish.

Rule number one for preparing quinoa: do not be intimidated by quinoa! The trick to unfamiliarity is to ease yourself into it. Don’t plunge into it. If you had not had quinoa, make it as a side to your main dish, and slowly get familiar with the flavor and texture.

Cook quinoa in a similar way as you would rice. The recommended ratio is typically 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water. Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a pot, then cook for 15-20 minutes covered. You can use a rice cooker to make quinoa as well.

A bowl of ingredients for Avocado Quinoa Salad

How to make Avocado Quinoa Salad

Once the quinoa is made, everything else is pretty straight forward. A.k.a slice and dump and mix.

Slice the avocados, half the cherry tomatoes, chop up cilantro and onions, juice the limes.

Toss everything, including cooked quinoa into a large bowl, and mix well.

Feel free to adjust the portions according to your liking – want to make this a more quino-heavy dish? Add more quinoa. Do not like onions? Omit them. Love yourself some cherry tomatoes? Double that! All about a lime-y dressing? Add more limes.

Ways to serve Avocado Quinoa Salad

Avocado Quinoa Salad serves very well as a side to any protein dish – chicken, beef, pork, salmon, shrimp, any seafood. It is a yummy and healthy substitute for carb-heavy sides on the days you want to eat a little lighter.

It is also great on salads. Add them to a bed of lettuce and sprinkle additional lime juice to it if desire. Or top it with your favorite salad dressing.

Avocado Quinoa Salad on a bed of lettuce — A bed of lettuce topped with Avocado Quinoa Salad, then drizzled with balsamic glaze

Want to turn it into dinner or lunch? Add some chicken to it and make it a light meal. Or serve it with some toast on the side if you can’t quite keep off all the carbs (i.e. me most of the time).

Quinoa it up this January and make some ridiculously healthy and yummy dish with it!! Because who says healthy cannot be delicious?!?

DID YOU ENJOY THIS RECIPE? Please comment below and give us a 5-star rating! This will help others find this recipe on Google and Pinterest. We very much appreciate your help! 🤍

More Avocados?

Check out these avocado recipes on the blog!