Fresh Citrus Avocado Quinoa Bowl

Featured in: Light & Bright Everyday Bowls

This vibrant bowl blends zesty citrus fruits with creamy avocado atop a fluffy quinoa base. Fresh greens like spinach and herbs add a refreshing touch, while a tangy olive oil and lemon dressing ties the flavors together. Quick to prepare and naturally gluten-free, it offers a light yet nourishing option perfect for lunch or a side dish. Customize with proteins or add crunch with radishes for variety.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 09:15:00 GMT
Fresh Citrus & Avocado Quinoa Bowl with vibrant citrus and creamy avocado, ready to eat. Save
Fresh Citrus & Avocado Quinoa Bowl with vibrant citrus and creamy avocado, ready to eat. | saffronbrook.com

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

I first enjoyed this quinoa bowl during a summer picnic and immediately fell in love with its refreshing taste and easy prep.

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.
Product image
Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.
Check price on Amazon
This stunning picture shows a Fresh Citrus & Avocado Quinoa Bowl, full of fresh flavors. Save
This stunning picture shows a Fresh Citrus & Avocado Quinoa Bowl, full of fresh flavors. | saffronbrook.com

This recipe brings joy at family gatherings especially during warm weather with everyone enjoying its fresh flavors.

Notes

For added protein top with grilled shrimp chicken or chickpeas. Swap grapefruit for blood orange or add sliced radishes for extra crunch. Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lime.

Required Tools

Medium saucepan with lid Sharp knife Cutting board Mixing bowls Whisk

Nutritional Information

Calories 310 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 41 g Protein 7 g per serving

A close-up view of a beautifully colorful Fresh Citrus & Avocado Quinoa Bowl, so delicious looking. Save
A close-up view of a beautifully colorful Fresh Citrus & Avocado Quinoa Bowl, so delicious looking. | saffronbrook.com
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This Citrus and Avocado Quinoa Bowl is perfect for a quick healthy meal that never sacrifices flavor.

Saffron Brook Recipe Q&As

What type of quinoa is best for this dish?

Rinsed white or tricolor quinoa works well, providing a light texture that complements the citrus and avocado.

How can I ensure the avocado stays fresh and vibrant?

Use ripe but firm avocado and add it just before serving to prevent browning and maintain creaminess.

Can I substitute the citrus fruits?

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

What greens pair best with this bowl?

Baby spinach and arugula offer a mild, fresh balance, but you can also mix in kale or mixed salad greens.

Is the dressing flexible for dietary preferences?

Absolutely, swap honey for maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly while maintaining the dressing's sweetness and tang.

Fresh Citrus Avocado Quinoa Bowl

A vibrant bowl of citrus, avocado, and quinoa with fresh greens and zesty dressing.

Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
15 mins
Time required
30 mins
Created by Ariana Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Modern Californian

Serves 4 Portions

Dietary notes Suitable for Vegetarians, No Dairy, Wheat-Free

Ingredient List

Quinoa Base

01 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 2 cups water
03 1/2 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 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Fresh Greens & Herbs

01 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
02 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
03 1/4 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 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
06 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

How to Make

Step 01

Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and sea salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly.

Step 02

Prepare Citrus: Peel and segment the orange and grapefruit, ensuring all seeds and membranes are removed.

Step 03

Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and sea salt in a small bowl until emulsified.

Step 04

Combine Greens and Quinoa: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, baby spinach or arugula, thinly sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and chopped mint. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently to mix.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Serve: Transfer to serving bowls immediately, garnishing with extra fresh herbs if preferred.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy advice

Review ingredients for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify ingredient labels if adding proteins or substitutions.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are for reference only and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Energy: 310
  • Total fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 7 g