Super simple to make and bursting with flavor, this mango quinoa salad with shrimp is the perfect make ahead meal! It is a great cold salad for toddlers and older children.
Ingredients
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook quinoa and place in the fridge.
- Chop mango and vegetables.
- Cook shrimp.
- Make the dressing.
- Toss all the ingredients together.
Tips for Success
Make this in advance as the flavors will meld and become more delicious in the fridge. I can't emphasize this enough! I actually make it the night before to enjoy the next day, but at the very least, make it several hours prior to eating.
Hold off on adding the shrimp until ready to serve. Same for the avocado as it will discolor and get mushy.
As for the mango, if it is really ripe then hold off and add with the avocado. Firmer mangoes will work better for this salad.
Quinoa salad for babies
I wouldn't serve this salad to babies as it has a lot of raw vegetables. But you can serve components of it so they can enjoy this meal alongside everyone else.
Mash the avocado and combine with quinoa to prevent the tiny grains from flying everywhere (been there). You can also add finely chopped shrimp and serve a big stick of mango on the side - since it's quite slippery, try coating with hemp or flax seeds. Will boost nutrition too!
Here are our favorite baby's plates, bowls, and spoons.
How to serve to toddlers
Run your knife through the mixture to make sure there are no large pieces of shrimp and vegetables.
If your child has a difficult time using their spoon or prefers to eat with their hands, combine the salad with mashed avocado to help bind the quinoa.
If your child is not a fan of mixed dishes, try serving it deconstructed. Set aside a small portion of quinoa, veggies, mango, shrimp, and dressing before combining everything for the rest of the family.
Allow your child to have full control over how they want to assemble.
Is your toddler becoming picky?
Arm yourself with these strategies that will transform your mealtimes!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use any! The big difference is the texture. Red and tricolor ones are firmer in texture and also tend to be a bit more bitter. I like to use white quinoa when enjoying with my baby because it gets soft and fluffy once cooked.Â
Of course! corn, colored bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cooked sweet potatoes...all delicious!
Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. I wouldn't freeze this.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Mango Quinoa Salad with shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 cup (195g) quinoa, raw
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 cup (130g) cucumber, diced
- ¾ cup (100g) cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
- ½ cup (60g) red onion, finely chopped
- 15 oz can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
- ¾ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
- 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
To be added right before serving
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 pound shrimp, cooked
Instructions
- Cook quinoa: rinse using a fine-mesh strainer. Bring quinoa and 2 cups of water to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes, covered. Use fork to fluff. Refrigerate.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and zest, oil, cumin, and chili powder. Add to the large bowl and mix well. It is best served cold so plan on making several hours prior to eating.
- In a large bowl, add the quinoa and mangoes, vegetables, and beans. Gently toss with dressing.
- Refrigerate for at least several hours prior to serving. Overnight if able.
- Add avocado and cooked shrimp right before enjoying.
Notes
- Feel free to use whatever vegetables you wish.
- Can also substitute shrimp with other protein.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
This post was first published in 2013 and has been updated with more detailed instructions and serving suggestions for babies and kids.
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) says
What a beautiful quinoa salad!! 🙂 Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! 🙂
Hope your week is great!
Cindy from vegetarianmamma.com
Min says
Thank you so much, Cindy for sharing! I look forward to linking up more often ;).
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says
What a fun day!! I love the idea of a healthy side to take to a picnic, just to have the options there! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Min says
Isn't it always so great to see fresh, healthy options at gatherings like this? It was a fun, relaxing day..just what I needed ;).
Min says
While the shrimp is a great addition to the salad, I didn't add it to the salad I took to the picnic and everyone loved it so you can def leave it out. I think Mr. Bite will like it too ;).
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
This is like my dream salad (minus the shrimp) 🙂 Delicious! It sounds like a fun picnic too - as you say, such a perfect summer activity.
Kumar's Kitchen says
Crisp salad with lots of flavors, textures and colors, yummmmm:-)
Min says
Thank you ;). Yup! This salad has a lot going on. I hope you give this salad a try!
Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats says
Looks delicious! I love me some quinoa and the fact that you added mango and shrimp to this makes it extra yummy! Great recipe and pictures! 🙂
Min says
Thank you, Krista! I actually didn't add the shrimp in the salad I took for the picnic. I just didn't have enough and rather than teasing everyone with just a few, I decided to leave it out all together. The shrimp DEF adds a lot to the dish. Hope you give it a try!
Ellie@Fit for the soul says
Hahaha Tim is too cool--I love that unashamed love he has for burgers and that tshirt. 😀 And this dish+picture look sooo amazing!
Min says
Hi Ellie ssi. Wearing a burger t-shirt is one thing, but the big ole Domo not so much. I don't know why he loves that character so much. What is it anyway? A giant bread with teeth? sigh..
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Thanks for your introduction to the dish dear Min!! And of course, thank you once again for taking your time to guest post! I'm glad you had a great time at your church picnic! Btw....! Tim really loves burgers huh? Burgers on his shirt and in his hands everytime I see a pic of him!! HELLO TIM! Have a great week guys!
Min says
You're welcome, Felicia! The picnic was a lot of fun although the weather was quite brutal. And yes, he is obsessed with burgers. Sigh..But he behaves the rest of the week so a burger once a week is fine by me ;). Hope you have a great week as well!