Name: Zesty Quinoa Beetroot Salad
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup raw quinoa (approx. 1½ cups cooked); 2 medium beets; 1 large orange (peeled, see Instructions); 2 tablespoons capers; 3 tablespoons cilantro/fresh coriander (finely chopped); Fine sea salt and pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 tablespoons orange juice (fresh is best); 1 teaspoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (finely grated); ½ teaspoon mustard; ¼ teaspoon onion granules

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This vibrant, zesty quinoa beetroot salad is full of colour and delicious, healthy ingredients. It comes with a refreshing dressing that's sweet, tangy and lightly spiced.

What pairs well with beets

Beets have a sweet, earthy flavour, which goes well with refreshing ingredients such as citrus fruit. They have a dense texture which makes them ideal to pair with delicate salad leaves, arugula as well as fresh herbs.

Beetroot and quinoa make an especially good pairing because of their contrasting textures and the fact that quinoa has a subtle, nutty flavour which tones down the earthiness of the beetroot. This beetroot quinoa salad not only tastes delicious it's also rich in protein and fibre - satisfying and nutritious.

Quinoa beet salad ingredients and substitutions

The salad

Beets.
Quinoa: use any (i.e. white, red, tri-colour).
Orange: regular or blood orange. Alternatively use satsumas or tangerines.
Capers: not absolutely necessary, but add a lovely burst of tangy flavour. Alternatively use finely chopped dill pickle/gherkins.
Cilantro/fresh coriander: use parsley or chives instead if desired.
Fine sea salt and pepper to taste.

The dressing

Lemon juice.
Vegetable oi: or mild tasting olive oil.
Orange juice: fresh is best.
Ginger: finely grated.
Mustard.
Maple syrup: use honey or agave syrup instead.
Onion granules: not essential, but add depth of flavour.

How to prepare the beets

For this beet and quinoa salad you can either cook the beetroot yourself or buy ready-cooked beets. I like to cook my own beetroot to make sure it is not overcooked and has a bit of crunch. (It takes about 30 minutes to cook whole unpeeled beetroot so if you are in a hurry the ready cooked option might be more convenient).

Can I roast the beets

Yes, you can if you prefer this method. I used roasted beets to make beetroot pasta salad - you'll find the instructions for how to roast beetroot in the post.

How to prepare the quinoa

You do not need to soak the quinoa before boiling it. Simply cook according to instructions on the packet (quinoa takes approximately 15 minutes to cook until tender). Drain, if needed, set aside to cool completely and make the salad.

Alternatively use ready-cooked quinoa.

Step-by-step recipe instructions

1.Boil the beets, covered, for approx. 30 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside to cool completely. Peel and cube.

As you are waiting for the beets to cool prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2 beets in water inside saucepan on top of cooling rack.

2. Rinse and cook the quinoa according to the packet instructions (approx. 15 minutes). Drain if necessary and set aside to cool.

3. Make the dressing by combining the dressing ingredients.

Salad dressing with spoon in bowl, zester, ginger, juicer and orange on top of small white plate.

4. Peel the orange and chop into chunks.

Peeled orange with knife on top of cutting board.

5. Place the salad ingredients in a bowl.

Top down view of cubed beetroot, orange pieces, herbs and cooked quinoa inside translucent bowl.

6. Pour in the dressing, season to taste, stir thoroughly and chill your beetroot and quinoa salad for 30 minutes before serving, if possible.

Beets, quinoa and orange salad with spoon inside translucent bowl with salad dressing in small dish in top right corner.

What goes well with it

This quinoa beetroot salad is extremely versatile and you can enjoy it as a stand alone meal or side dish perfect for everyday as well as entertaining. It pairs well with chicken dishes, such as crispy chicken legs or marinated chicken or turkey recipes (try it with my leftover turkey patties).

It's also ideal to serve during the holiday season.

Can I serve it warm

Yes, you can! Especially if you are planning to serve it on its own as a meal. Boil the quinoa and beets simultaneously and combine with the rest of the ingredients while still warm.

Can I make this beet quinoa salad ahead

Yes, but not more than 2-3 hours (it might become too watery after a while). Alternatively prepare the salad ingredients as well as the dressing ahead and refrigerate in separate containers for up to 6 hours. Combine the salad with the dressing just before serving.

You can also cook the quinoa as well as the beets ahead (overnight) and once cooled refrigerate, covered until you are ready to make the recipe.

Top tip

Peel and chop the beetroot (that you've cooked in advance) just before putting the recipe together.

Top tips

Cook the quinoa according to packet instructions. Once cooled, either make the salad or refrigerate to use later.
Boil the beets, covered, for approx. 30 minutes or until tender but try not to overcook them (check with a fork). Alternatively use ready-cooked store bought beets.
Both the beets and quinoa can be prepared ahead and refrigerated (overnight).
You can boil or roast the beets, but I do not recommend using raw beetroot as it's very tough and dense.
Tweak the ingredients to your taste.
If possible chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving.
You can make the dressing in advance and refrigerate overnight. Combine with the salad just before serving.
You can prepare the salad ingredients up to 6 hours ahead and refrigerate. Combine with the dressing just before serving.
Your leftover quinoa and beet salad can be refrigerated for up to 3 hours.
Not suitable for freezing.

Top down view of quinoa beetroot salad with spoon inside large bowl, with dressing in small dish in top left corner.

Check out also these other delicious salad recipes!

Keep in touch!

How has this beetroot quinoa salad recipe turned out for you? Did you make any swaps? Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

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Zesty Quinoa Beetroot Salad