This very easy Quinoa, Mandarin and Spinach Salad will brighten even the dullest day.

I developed this recipe after being captivated by a stand of gorgeous, orange mandarins at Adelaide Central Market. Whilst I immediately enjoyed them in their fresh, natural state I felt that there must be a way to use them in a side dish and so this recipe evolved. This vibrant, flavoursome salad is ideal as a side dish or a healthy lunch. The base of the salad is quinoa, one of my favourite ingredients.
A little about Quinoa
In the culinary world, quinoa is something of a superstar. Quinoa, which is pronounced keen-wah, is a complete protein, which means that it is one of the few plant sources which contain all nine essential amino acids. As an added bonus it is naturally gluten-free.
Quinoa is an ancient grain which originated in Peru. It has been grown in South America for thousands of years. It was cultivated by the Incas and was an important part of their diet.
Quinoa is now one of the most popular health foods. It has a number of nutritional benefits. In addition to being high in protein, it is also high in fibre and a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, vitamin E, and a number of antioxidants.
Whilst quinoa is commonly referred to as a whole grain it is actually a seed and belongs to the same family as spinach, beets and Swiss chard.
Although there are many varieties of quinoa, the three most widely available are white, red and black. You can use the different colours interchangeably in recipes. However, you may prefer to use a particular colour to offset the food being served with it. The flavour and texture differences are, however, subtle.
· White quinoa
White has the most delicate flavour; it is the most tender and cooks the fastest. The white quinoa will be fluffier than the other colours.
· Red quinoa
Red has a slightly nuttier flavour than white and a slightly chewier texture.
· Black quinoa
Black is slightly sweeter than white and also a little earthier. Black takes a little longer to cook and has a little more crunchy texture.
Ways in which to use Quinoa
Quinoa is a versatile ingredient, suitable to use in sweet or savoury dishes. For the health conscious, vegans and vegetarians it has become a nutritious substitute for rice, potatoes and pasta.
It is ideal as a side dish for many meals; it is delicious served alongside stews, braises, curries or a stir fry. Additionally, try cooking it risotto-style making a high protein, more nutritious dish.
It is an ideal replacement for rice when making stuffed vegetables and provides additional nutrients and texture when added to soups and stews.
It makes a great base for salads, as used here and it makes fabulous vegetarian patties; the recipe is coming soon.
How to cook Quinoa
I begin by rinsing the quinoa before cooking. The grains are coated in a naturally occurring chemical called saponin. The chemical deters insects but it does have a bitter flavour. I place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse vigorously under cold, running water, swishing the quinoa with my fingers. I then ensure that it is well drained.
I add 2 cups of water to a medium size saucepan, add the well-drained quinoa, bring to the boil then lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 8-10 minutes, until the seeds are tender. When they’re cooked you will notice they have little curly “tails”. There are, as mentioned above, slight differences in cooking times with the different varieties, with white cooking the fastest so you will need to judge for yourself. Further, times may vary depending on the age of the quinoa. I check the texture of the grain a few minutes before the suggested cooking time.
When the quinoa is to my liking I remove it from the heat, place a clean tea towel or 3 layers of paper towel over the saucepan, place the lid back on and stand 5 minutes. The tea towel/paper towel will absorb excess moisture. Turn the cooked quinoa into a bowl and leave to cool.
If cooking the quinoa for a side dish and you would like to add extra flavour you can cook it in stock instead of water and add herbs of your choice.
Some facts about Spinach
Quinoa is not the only superfood in this recipe. Further nutrients, colour and texture are obtained by adding baby spinach leaves. With its delicate flavour, tender texture and beautiful colour, baby spinach is an ideal addition to salads.
Spinach is low in calories and nutrient dense. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, C and K along with iron, potassium and magnesium. Additionally, it contains a number of health-benefiting antioxidants and is a valuable source of dietary fibre.
A little about Mandarins
Mandarins, sometimes called mandarin oranges, are smaller members of the orange family. Other members of this group include tangerines and clementines.
Originating in Southeast Asia and China, their name derives from the public officials of the Chinese Imperial Court, the Mandarins, who wore long, orange robes.
Mandarins were originally enjoyed by the privileged classes. However, nowadays, thankfully, we can all enjoy their fragrance and sweet flavour.
Most mandarins have bright, orange skin. They are ideal for children to enjoy as they are easy to peel and their segments easily separated. There are a number of varieties, both seeded and seedless.
Further, they are a valuable source of Vitamins A and C along with potassium, magnesium, dietary fibre and health-benefiting antioxidants.
They are suitable to use in main courses, salads, baking and desserts.
How to make the salad
My Quinoa, Spinach and Mandarin salad is bursting with flavour. It is refreshing, colourful and is extremely good for you. This salad is perfect in that it is suitable for almost every diet being gluten-free and vegan.
It is simple to make; I begin by adding the cooked quinoa to a large bowl. I then add the sliced spring onions, spinach leaves and mandarin segments. I add the dressing, toss all the ingredients together, season to taste and then top with toasted flaked almonds and pomegranate arils.
Quinoa salads are ideal to customise. Add ingredients that you would like. Some great additions to quinoa are kale, apples, avocados or dried cranberries along with parsley or mint.
So make a big batch of this easy, nutritious salad; it will last for several days in the fridge. Please let me know in the comments below if you try this recipe.
Alex xx
P.S. Love Quinoa? Be sure to try some of these other delicious recipes:
- Quinoa Tabouli
- Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad
- Moroccan Spiced Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad by The Foodie Journey
Quinoa and Spinach Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup (175 g) white quinoa – rinsed well
- 2 cups (500 ml) water – for cooking the quinoa
- 4 mandarins – segments separated, and white membrane removed
- 5 spring/green onions – finely sliced – the white and a little of the green part
- 1 1 /2 cups baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup flaked almonds
- ½ pomegranate – arils removed
For the dressing:
- 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice – freshly squeezed
- 3 teaspoon maple syrup
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Recipe Measurements:
For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results.
Instructions
- Place the quinoa into a fine-mesh sieve and rinse vigorously under cold, running water, swishing the quinoa with your fingers. Drain the quinoa well. I sit the sieve on several layers of paper towel; it helps absorb excess moisture.
- Pour 2 cups of water into a medium size saucepan, add the drained quinoa, bring to the boil then lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 8-10 minutes, until the seeds are tender*.
- When they’re cooked you will notice they have little curly “tails”. Remove the pan from the heat, place a clean tea towel or 3 layers of paper towel over the saucepan, place the lid back on and stand 5 minutes. The tea towel/paper towel will absorb excess moisture.
- Place the quinoa into a bowl and leave it to cool.
- Cut the mandarin segments in half. If the mandarins contain seeds, simply flick them out with the point of a small, sharp knife.
- To toast the flaked almonds I add them to a dry, non-stick frying pan. Over medium heat, I toss or stir them frequently until they are golden. Be careful, they will burn easily.
- Add the halved mandarin segments, sliced spring onions/scallions and spinach leaves to the quinoa.
- To make the dressing, combine the olive oil, lemon juice and maple syrup in a small bowl. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and mix well.
- Toss the salad with the dressing. Check that the seasoning is to your taste adding more sea salt and freshly ground black pepper if required.Sprinkle the toasted almonds and pomegranate arils on top.
Notes
Nutrition Estimate:
Nutritional Disclaimer:
The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.
Dannii
What a deliciously vibrant salad. Perfect for a light lunch.
Alexandra
I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Chris Collins
This is my kind of salad! The perfect combo of flavour and texture 🙂
Alexandra
I am so happy you think so! Thanks, Chris!
Michelle
Such a beautiful healthy dish! I love the bright fruit flavors.
Alexandra
Thank you so much, Michelle!
Pooja
I love healthy food and this salad is scrumptious
Alexandra
I am so glad you enjoyed it, Pooja!
Jessie
I am always on the look out for a new healthy lunch and this is my current favourite. It is colourful and so nutritious!
Alexandra
Thank you, Jessie – I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Melanie
I LOVED this recipe!! I’ve always liked the sweet and savory combination so I knew I would love this salad. I ended up using canned mandarins which complimented the quinoa and spinach so well. I think I’ll make a little more next time to take for lunch the next day!
Alexandra
Hi Melanie, I am thrilled that you enjoyed the Quinoa, Mandarin and Spinach Salad; thank you for letting me know. 🙂
Molly
This is so beautiful and I love the flavours going on. Thanks for sharing!
Alexandra
I am so pleased that you like this salad!
David @ Spiced
I always forget about using quinoa as a salad base, but this looks so good. I love the addition of spinach and mandarins here, too…although I suspect I’m going to have to fight Robbie for the mandarins. He loves those things! 🙂 Excellent recipe, my friend!
Alexandra
Thank you so much David. If you move fast I am sure that you will get a few mandarin segments. 🙂
Lee-Ann
Love the combo of citrus and spring onion, thanks for the recipe!
Alexandra
I am delighted that you like it Lee-Ann!