Walnut Free Smoky Paprika Quinoa and Mango Salad
Bright, smoky, and packed with fresh produce, this quinoa salad is the kind of dish that looks impressive on the table but comes together with minimal fuss. The smoked paprika and cumin dressing gives it a deep, earthy warmth that plays beautifully against the sweetness of ripe mango and the cool crunch of cucumber. Every ingredient here is naturally free from tree nut concerns, so there's no label-scanning or substitution stress — just straightforward, feel-good cooking. Pumpkin seeds bring that satisfying crunch and a little extra protein without any of the worry that often comes with nut-topped salads. The trick to getting the best texture is letting the quinoa cool and dry out properly before tossing, so the grains stay fluffy and separate rather than clumping under the dressing. It works beautifully as a make-ahead lunch or a vibrant side at dinner — just hold off on adding the pepitas until you're ready to serve so they stay perfectly crisp.
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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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