Vegan Quinoa Avocado Salad with Pineapple {Gluten-Free}

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

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Vegan Quinoa Avocado Salad with Pineapple

Prep Time

10 mins

Total Time

10 mins

 

This 6 ingredient vegan quinoa avocado salad is bursting with fresh and vibrant flavors. Creamy avocado + fluffy quinoa + citrusy pineapple = perfection. Healthy and delicious. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Course: Salad

Cuisine: gluten free, Healthy, Vegan

Servings: 2

Calories: 314 kcal

Author: Vicky Berman

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients in a large bowl and mix (adding avocado last). Season with salt to taste.

Nutrition Facts

Vegan Quinoa Avocado Salad with Pineapple

Amount Per Serving

Calories 314 Calories from Fat 180

% Daily Value*

Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Sodium 51mg2%

Potassium 691mg20%

Carbohydrates 33g11%

Fiber 10g42%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 195IU4%

Vitamin C 61.5mg75%

Calcium 42mg4%

Iron 1.7mg9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.