Fresh Citrus Avocado Quinoa Bowl

Featured in: Lazy Weekend Brunch Whisk Ideas

This vibrant bowl combines fluffy quinoa with zesty orange and grapefruit segments, creamy avocado, and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. Tossed with a tangy olive oil and lemon dressing, it offers refreshing flavors and a boost of protein. Perfect for a quick lunch or a nourishing side dish, it’s easy to prepare and suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free preferences.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:42:00 GMT
Fresh citrus and avocado quinoa bowl, featuring bright orange and grapefruit segments, ready to eat. Save
Fresh citrus and avocado quinoa bowl, featuring bright orange and grapefruit segments, ready to eat. | dunewhisk.com

A vibrant, refreshing bowl packed with zesty citrus, creamy avocado, and protein-rich quinoa—perfect for a light lunch or a nourishing side.

This recipe quickly became a favorite on warm days when I wanted something both light and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • Quinoa Base: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed, 2 cups water, ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Citrus & Avocado: 1 large orange peeled and segmented, 1 large grapefruit peeled and segmented, 1 ripe avocado diced, ½ small red onion finely sliced, ½ cup pomegranate seeds
  • Fresh Greens & Herbs: 2 cups baby spinach or arugula, ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped, ¼ cup fresh mint chopped
  • Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
Step 2:
While quinoa is cooking, prepare the citrus: peel and segment the orange and grapefruit, removing any seeds and membrane.
Step 3:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt to make the dressing.
Step 4:
In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, spinach (or arugula), red onion, cilantro, and mint. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently.
Step 5:
Add citrus segments, diced avocado, and pomegranate seeds. Gently toss again, adding more dressing as needed.
Step 6:
Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
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Mount paper towels nearby for quick cleanup of spills, grease, and messes while cooking and prepping meals.
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Mount paper towels nearby for quick cleanup of spills, grease, and messes while cooking and prepping meals.
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| dunewhisk.com

My family enjoys this dish on weekends when we gather for a fresh and healthy meal together.

Required Tools

Medium saucepan with lid, sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, whisk

Allergen Information

Contains no major allergens. Check ingredient labels if adding proteins or other items.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 310 calories, 14 g total fat, 41 g carbohydrates, 7 g protein

A healthy fresh citrus & avocado quinoa bowl overflowing with colorful, flavorful ingredients, ready to enjoy. Save
A healthy fresh citrus & avocado quinoa bowl overflowing with colorful, flavorful ingredients, ready to enjoy. | dunewhisk.com
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This bright bowl is an ideal go-to when you want a nutritious and tasty meal on the table fast.

Your Questions Answered

How do I cook quinoa properly?

Rinse quinoa under cold water, then simmer with water and a pinch of salt until absorbed (about 15 minutes). Fluff with a fork after cooking.

Can I substitute the citrus fruits?

Yes, blood orange or tangerine segments can replace grapefruit or orange for different flavor notes.

What greens work best in this bowl?

Baby spinach or arugula offer fresh, leafy texture that complements the citrus and avocado well.

How is the dressing prepared?

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt until combined.

Can additional proteins be added?

Grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas can be layered on top to boost protein content and make it heartier.

What is the best way to serve this bowl?

Serve immediately after tossing with dressing and garnish with extra herbs for freshness and visual appeal.

Fresh Citrus Avocado Quinoa Bowl

A vibrant bowl with citrus, avocado, and quinoa for a light, nutritious meal or side.

Time to Prep
15 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created by Ella Richardson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Modern Californian

Portion Size 4 Number of Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, Dairy-Free Option, Gluten-Free Option

What You'll Need

Quinoa Base

01 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 2 cups water
03 ½ teaspoon sea salt

Citrus & Avocado

01 1 large orange, peeled and segmented
02 1 large grapefruit, peeled and segmented
03 1 ripe avocado, diced
04 ½ small red onion, finely sliced
05 ½ cup pomegranate seeds

Fresh Greens & Herbs

01 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
02 ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
03 ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped

Dressing

01 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
02 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
03 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
04 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
05 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
06 ¼ teaspoon sea salt

How To Make It

Step 01

Cook Quinoa: Combine quinoa, water, and sea salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.

Step 02

Prepare Citrus: Peel and segment the orange and grapefruit, removing all seeds and membranes.

Step 03

Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and sea salt until combined.

Step 04

Combine Greens and Quinoa: In a large bowl, toss the cooked quinoa with spinach or arugula, red onion, cilantro, and mint. Drizzle half the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine.

Step 05

Add Citrus and Avocado: Fold in the citrus segments, diced avocado, and pomegranate seeds. Add remaining dressing as needed and toss gently again.

Step 06

Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Tools You Need

  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Allergy Details

Review each item for allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're not sure.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify any added protein ingredients for allergen content.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Nutritional values are for reference and don't substitute for professional guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 310
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 7 g