Moroccan Quinoa Salad Recipe

In the heart of every cozy kitchen, there’s a special dish that brings family and friends together, infusing the air with aromatic spices and warmth. Today, let’s embark on a culinary journey to Morocco with our vibrant Moroccan Quinoa Salad Recipe. This delightful salad is a symphony of fluffy quinoa, sweet dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and a zesty dressing, creating a colorful and nourishing masterpiece. Perfect for seasonal gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish resonates with the joy and creativity we cherish at Zynahz. Let’s get cooking and create memories with every bite!

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Skill Level: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool.
3. While the quinoa is cooling, chop the dried apricots, raisins, almonds, mint leaves, parsley, red onion, and grate the carrot.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper.
5. Once the quinoa is at room temperature, add the dried apricots, raisins, almonds, mint, parsley, red onion, and carrot. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6. Transfer the salad to a colorful serving bowl and garnish with extra mint leaves. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Helpful Tips

If you’re new to quinoa, make sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural, slightly bitter coating called saponin. For a more budget-friendly version, substitute dried apricots with dried cranberries or chopped dates. This salad can also be made a day ahead, just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the fresh texture of the ingredients.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold or brought to room temperature before serving. If you prefer a slight crunch, add fresh nuts when ready to eat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Quinoa can be substituted with couscous or bulgur for a different texture. Almonds can be replaced with pistachios or cashews. Fresh herbs such as basil can be added to the mix for an additional layer of flavor.

Pairings

This vibrant Moroccan Quinoa Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or a simple chickpea stew. To complement the Moroccan flavors, serve with a refreshing glass of mint tea or a tangy lemonade.

Cooking should always be an adventure filled with joy and creativity. At Zynahz, we strive to bring this spirit into your kitchen, inspiring you with recipes that blend tradition with innovation. We’d love to see how your Moroccan Quinoa Salad turns out! Share your culinary creations with us on social media and spread the joy with friends and family. For more delightful recipes, follow Zynahz and sign up for our newsletter—let’s continue to cook up magic together!