Chicken Free Smoky Paprika Quinoa and Mango Salad
This vibrant grain salad is a full-on flavor party, layering sweet juicy mango, crisp cucumber, and smoky paprika-lime dressing over fluffy quinoa for something that feels both refreshing and deeply satisfying. The smoked paprika and cumin give the dressing a warm, almost grilled quality that makes the whole bowl taste far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. Every component here is plant-based and naturally free from poultry, so there's no need to swap anything out or second-guess a single label. Rinsing and properly steaming the quinoa before it hits the bowl is the quiet secret to getting those light, separate grains that soak up the dressing without turning mushy. Toasted pepitas scattered over the top add a nutty crunch that rounds out the textures beautifully. It works as a standalone lunch, a potluck showstopper, or a make-ahead meal that holds up well in the fridge — just hold the seeds until you're ready to serve.
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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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