Quinoa avocado salad with pineapple that takes just 10 minutes to make and 6 ingredients. This recipe is vegan and bursting with fresh and vibrant flavors. Creamy avocado + fluffy quinoa + citrusy pineapple = perfection. Healthy and delicious. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Quinoa avocado salad with pineapple- this particular recipe is inspired by my house-sitting experience in Costa Rica. D and I lived in a tiny coastal village for 2 months taking car of dogs and cats for two neighboring houses in October and November of last year. The couple who we house sat for dropped everything in the US and decided to retire in Costa Rica – all after vacationing there and stopping by to eat at one restaurant in particular.
There was just something about this restaurant they said, they loved how everyone came in and felt like old friends, that small local feeling, with excellent food and attention to detail. Just like that their minds were made up – this was where they wanted to live.
Naturally I needed to dine there. And we had already gotten menu recommendations – the top pick was the avocado pineapple salad.
An odd duo if you ask me, but I was open to trying it. So one day we made reservations for the tiny restaurant, hopped on our ATV (yep that was our only mode of transport) and made our way down the hills into the village center. The restaurant did not disappoint. It was set in a small romantic garden with outdoor seating and quaint night lights and furniture. With lots of international fusion dishes on the menu there was plenty to choose from. Ceviche, pineapple avocado salad and banana fish curry were our picks.
And the quinoa avocado salad with pineapple salad truly was exquisite. The soft and creamy avocado blends perfectly with the citrusy and vibrant pineapple. The medley is soft and gentle while refreshing and bright all at the same time.
I would have to re-create this at home. And so I have. With a few more ingredients added in of course. Everything is better with quinoa so half a cup of that makes this salad even healthier and more delicious. Lime juice and zest are a must for additional lively bursts of flavor. For more creaminess add some vegan mayo (or regular if you are not vegan).
Now I’m all about quinoa salads (with some of my favorites being my vegan arugula quinoa salad, and my vegan avocado boats with quinoa hearts of palm salad) but this vegan quinoa avocado salad with pineapple might just be a new favorite.
It is simply perfect for spring and summer when you want everything to be bursting with light, fresh, vibrant flavors. This quinoa avocado salad just tastes like it needs to be eaten on a sunny day, preferably outside and even better if you’ve got a seaside view. And if it’s still cold where you are close your eyes, take a few bites, and pretend there’s no more snow on the ground.
One of my other favorite quinoa avocado based salad recipes is my Vegan Avocado Boats with Quinoa Hearts of Palm Salad and my Quinoa Salad with Artichokes, Asparagus and Kale. For more hearts of palm recipe ideas check out my Hearts of Palm Recipes Round Up.
How to make quinoa avocado salad with pineapple
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1 tablespoon vegan mayonnaise or regular if you are not vegan
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 lime zested
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 avocado cubed
- salt to taste
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Combine ingredients in a large bowl and mix (adding avocado last). Season with salt to taste.
Kim @ Three Olives Branch says
I absolutely love quinoa, and I never though to mix avocado and pineapple together. I can’t wait to make this, perfect for warm weather!
Vicky says
Quinoa is the best right?! It works so well with avo and pineapple! A pleasant surprise : ))
Mica @ Let's Taco Bout It Blog says
I love this recipe. So bright and colorful. Pinning for later!
Vicky says
Thanks and thanks for sharing!
Justine Howell says
I’ve been meaning to give quinoa a try, will try this recipe.
Vicky says
You’ve got to try it! It’s so good and So healthy too! Win win!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
This salad looks AMAZING!! I love quinoa, avocado and pineapple, so I am pretty sure I will love this salad. And it’s perfect for the upcoming summer season, can’t wait to try it!
Vicky says
Thanks!! Definitely a great recipe for summer : ))
fabiola@notjustbaked says
Beautiful, beautiful, lovely colors! Pineapple and quinoa sounds super good, I’ll have to try this!
Vicky says
Thanks! Let me know how it turns out if you do!
christina conte says
Wow, what a unique dish! I adore pineapples, and this is so healthy! I’d have to sub parsley for the cilantro as I’m one of “those” people 😉 I didn’t get the cilantro gene!
Vicky says
Thanks! Haha feel free to use the parlsey instead or scallions/mint/your herb of choice!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
This sounds wonderful, I absolutely love all the flavors in this!
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
This is beautiful! I love all the colours and flavours; this looks like such a delicious, hearty salad! I love the sweet kick pineapple gives in salads!
Krystal says
Yum!
Vicky says
Thanks!
Platter Talk says
Interesting way to prepare quinoa. I like the idea of combining pineapple with avocado for a light meal but still come out with a complete protein, veggies & fruit. Thank you!
Vicky says
Thanks! I was looking for a mixture of various flavors and think this is the perfect balance!