Have you ever tried the California Quinoa Salad from Whole Foods Market? If you haven’t, take it from me, it’s delicious! I would go in about once a week, spend a small fortune and get the large container, which would last in my fridge for about a day and a half. I don’t know why it took me so long to make it myself. And the beauty of making it yourself, you get to add all the things you love. More of some, less of others. I think it actually tastes even better than theirs!
California Quinoa Salad
Author: Its All About The Yummy
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 mango peeled and diced. You can also use frozen diced mangos when fresh are not in season.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- ½ cup cranberries
- ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- FOR DRESSING
- 2 limes zested and then juiced
- 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa in water, drain.
- In a medium sause pan add 2 cups of water and the rinsed quinoa, bring to a boil, cover and turn heat to low for 12 minutes. Remove lid and fluff quinoa with a fork. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a small bowl add the lime zest and lime juice, balsamic, honey and olive oil. Whisk to combine.
- In a large bowl, add the cooled quinoa, mango, pepper, onions, cucumber, cranberries, and the shredded coconut.
- Add dressing and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled.

Enjoy!
Until Next Time…
XOXO
Ludmilla @ Brazilian Flair in the USA
This salad looks so refreshing and flavorful. I love all the colors!!!
CAROL CASSARA
Your photos rock, girl! And the recipe looks way good and so darn healthy!
Christine | Vermilion Roots
I like how colorful this dish is. And how healthy every color is. 🙂
McKaye
Wow, this looks incredible. I am a huge quinoa fan and your colorful pictures make this look delicious. I am going to have to give this a try.
Shelah
That salad looks amazing. I am making it the next time I have company for dinner!
Roz Warren
The only thing I “cook” is salad — so I might even try to make this. More important, THANKS for turning me on to Whole Foods Quinoa salad! I’m going to check it out next time I shop there. (You never know when you blog what your readers will take away from it… but as long as we learn something, that’s cool, right?)
Its All About The Yummy
Absolutely Roz!
Karen Austin
I like to eat quinoa because it’s high in protein, but it’s very bland by itself. BLARGH! Thank you for sharing a recipe that will help me make quinoa more appetizing.
Its All About The Yummy
Adding a balsamic vinegar or a rice wine vinegar always add great flavor to quinoa. As does Lemon juice.
Lisa at Grandma's Briefs
I have quinoa in the cupboard but rarely consider making it, for some reason. You’ve inspired me to give it another shot… with this recipe. Thank you!
Cathy Chester
I love quinoa and just bought some more today at Trader Joe’s. Love this recipe. I think I did have this once from Whole Foods; we ate it in a day. Thanks for this recipe!
Clare Speer
It looks “almost” too pretty to eat….. but just kidding for sure I would – looks great!
Ashleigh
This salad looks amazing! I will for sure be making this! Thank you for sharing!
Katie
This looks delicious!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
I just love how colorful this is!! YUM!