Beef Free Smoky Paprika Quinoa and Mango Salad
This vibrant grain salad is a serious crowd-pleaser, layering sweet ripe mango, crisp cucumber, and colorful bell pepper over fluffy quinoa with a smoky, citrusy dressing that ties everything together. The smoked paprika and cumin give the vinaigrette a deep, almost campfire-like warmth that you wouldn't expect from something so fresh and light. Cooling the quinoa properly before tossing is the small but crucial step that keeps every grain separate and lets the dressing coat rather than clump. Lime juice brightens the whole bowl, while toasted pepitas scattered on top add a satisfying crunch in every bite. Every single ingredient here is naturally plant-based and completely free of any animal proteins, so there's no substitution juggling or label-reading required. It holds up beautifully in the fridge for a couple of hours, making it a smart choice for meal prep, potlucks, or a make-ahead lunch that still tastes lively when you're ready to eat.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- ¼ tsp salt
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the salad
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 english cucumber, diced
- 3 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup dry-roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa's germ rings are visible, about 13–15 minutes.
- 2
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the quinoa steam, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover, fluff with a fork, and spread onto a large plate or sheet pan to cool for at least 5 minutes — the grains should feel dry and separate, not clumped.
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