Berry Quinoa Citrus Salad

Featured in Nutritious & Delicious Recipes.

Get a punch of summer in every bite with this zingy berry quinoa citrus bowl. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries cozy up with quinoa and a bright zing of honey-citrus. Throw in chopped mint and basil for some herby flavor and almonds for a fun crunch. Enjoy chilled as a side, a quick breakfast, or a snack. Ready in about 20 minutes and tastes best the day you make it—the perfect pick-me-up when it’s hot out.

Sarah Recipes
Updated on Tue, 24 Jun 2025 23:37:16 GMT
Berry Quinoa Salad Pin it
Berry Quinoa Salad | recipesaddicts.com

Berry Quinoa Salad brings a cool burst of summer flavor. Every spoonful pops with juicy berries, tender quinoa, and a sweet citrus-honey drizzle. Want a punchy snack, a simple breakfast, or to wow your friends at the next get-together? This colorful bowl is ready in a flash and looks great on any table.

In my house, this dish shows up every single summer once berries flood the markets. The dressing? I got the idea from those old lemonade stand days. It always vanishes at brunch before I’ve even grabbed a spoon.

Vibrant Ingredients

  • Fluffy cooked quinoa: This is the chewy base that ties everything together Use any variety—just don’t let it turn mushy
  • Blueberries: Tiny sweet bites Look for that soft silvery skin as a sign they’re fresh
  • Blackberries: Bring deep purple color and gentle tang Get the ones that are shiny and firm
  • Raspberries: Tartness that cuts through the honey Pick out the reddest ones with no mushy bits
  • Strawberries: Big juicy flavor Choose bright berries with fresh green stems
  • Mint and basil chopped small: Crank up the freshness Pick soft leaves and slice right before tossing them in
  • Orange zest and juice: Gives the tangy hit for the dressing Just grab the bright-colored part when zesting
  • Lime and lemon juice: For zing and brightness Best flavor comes from squeezing them fresh
  • Honey: Brings smooth sweetness Liquid honey stirs in easily here
  • Candied pecans or toasted almonds chopped: Crunch and sweet richness Toast if you want to go extra, or use candied for dessert vibes

Simple Steps

Serve:
Lay the finished salad out on a wide plate, scatter on extra mint and berries, and dig in right away for the prettiest look. It's best before the quinoa drinks up too much dressing.
Dress & Toss:
Pour the mixed citrus-honey dressing over everything in your big bowl. Use a gentle fold to keep those berries intact. If it needs more citrus zing, give it a little extra squeeze.
Mix Berries & Nuts:
Tip in all your berries and the nuts with the quinoa base. Toss softly—use a big spatula so you don’t smash the berries. Sprinkle in the fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Build the Base:
Put cold, fluffy quinoa into your biggest serving bowl. Run a fork through to break up clumps so it stays light, not sticky or heavy.
Whip Up Dressing:
Get a small jar or bowl, blend together honey, all the citrus juices, orange zest, plus your fresh herbs. Whisk hard or give it a good shake so the honey melts in and the flavors come together.
A bowl packed with fresh fruit and mixed quinoa. Pin it
A bowl packed with fresh fruit and mixed quinoa. | recipesaddicts.com

I’m hooked on the sweet combo of basil and mint—totally screams summertime. The first time I brought this to a birthday picnic, I went heavy on the homegrown basil, and even my aunt who never wants salad asked for another scoop.

Keeping It Fresh

Stash any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge, and it’ll stay nice for a couple days. For best results, keep the dressing apart and pour it over just before you eat. Quinoa can be made several days ahead and stored cold. If the berries get soft, just toss in some fresh ones and re-crunch things with more nuts.

Switch Things Up

No mint or basil? No sweat—just use what you’ve got or even throw in chopped cilantro for a twist. If you need it vegan, swap agave for honey. Run out of berries? Try chopped kiwi, juicy mango, or peach chunks. Nuts don’t work for you? Toss in sunflower seeds or walnuts instead.

Fruit-filled quinoa salad in a bowl. Pin it
Fruit-filled quinoa salad in a bowl. | recipesaddicts.com

Fun Ways to Serve

Make it the main event at brunch, bring it to your next backyard party, or eat it for a chill lunch. Try it parfait-style with a scoop of Greek yogurt, or add grilled chicken to bulk it up. For a playful look, layer it in clear cups with extra dressing and herbs on top.

Inspired By Tradition

Quinoa's an old-school crop from South America and a favorite because it grows easily and is super good for you. It’s a match made for classic summer berries—grown in North America and Europe for ages. The hit of citrus and fresh herbs puts a new spin on these longtime staples, so folks with all sorts of food traditions love it.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I switch up the berries?

For sure! Try any berries you like—blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries all taste great here.

→ Should quinoa cool down before tossing it in?

Yep—let it cool off first. Mixing in hot quinoa will make everything limp, and we want it light and fresh.

→ Any other nuts I can swap for almonds?

You can toss in candied pecans for more sweetness. Walnuts or pistachios shake things up too.

→ How long does this keep in the fridge?

It's tastiest fresh, but you can chill it in a sealed container for about a day without losing crunch.

→ What should I serve with this?

Goes awesome with grilled fish or chicken. Or put it next to some brunch favorites for a sunny meal.

→ Can I prep the dressing in advance?

Absolutely. Make the honey-citrus mix a day early and stash it in your fridge until you’re ready.

Berry Quinoa Citrus Salad

Bright quinoa tossed with berries, crunchy almonds, and fresh greens. Light and sunny—a cool summer dish.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Sarah

Category: Healthy Choices

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Citrus Honey Mix

01 1 teaspoon finely chopped basil
02 1 teaspoon finely chopped mint
03 1 tablespoon honey
04 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
05 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
06 4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
07 1 teaspoon orange zest

→ Salad

08 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil
09 1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
10 1 cup roughly chopped almonds or candied pecans
11 1 cup blueberries
12 1 cup blackberries
13 1 cup raspberries
14 1.5 cups strawberries, halved
15 2 cups cooked quinoa

Instructions

Step 01

Toss basil and mint into a bowl or jar, then add honey, lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice, and sprinkle in orange zest. Whisk it up together till everything blends in. Leave it to chill out on the side.

Step 02

Layer the cooked and cooled quinoa in a big bowl. Add strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, almonds, toss in mint, and basil. Use a gentle motion to blend everything evenly.

Step 03

Pour your citrus honey mix all over the salad, then lightly toss so each bite gets coated. Dig in right away for best taste.

Notes

  1. Wait for your quinoa to cool off before mixing with the berries so the fruit stays fresh. It’s tastiest if you eat it the same day you make it.

Tools You'll Need

  • Whisk
  • Small jar or bowl
  • Big mixing bowl
  • Serving spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This has tree nuts like almonds or pecans.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 276
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
  • Protein: 9 g