This Orange Apricot Almond Quinoa Salad is the perfect side dish for a Summertime barbecue. It’s a definite crowd-pleaser, and can be served cold, no hassle heating it up!
Before getting into this yummy recipe, I thought it’d be fun to chat about something other than food for a bit. Something often discussed in the food blogging community is that you should make it a point to, at times, hang out with your friends who don’t give a crap about your food blog. Tough love, yes, but it’s important to put things into perspective, have a refreshing conversation, realize that there is more to life than your food blog! While, at times that doesn’t feel true. Anyone else feel me on this? In fact, often times these are the instances that inspire you the most for your blog. Funny, eh?
Whatever it is that’s your ‘thing’, whatever you’re obsessed with, sometimes you need to hang out with people who don’t give a shit about it. So by the same token, I thought today we’d talk about some things that have nothing to do with this food blog. Mind if I share what I’m lovin’ right now? I want you to tell me what you’re loving, too!
Victoria’s Secret Restructuring
Holy crap, so did you hear the news about Victoria’s Secret? They are completely restructuring their offerings, which you can read about here. But the major thing to take away is: no more swimwear. Hit me hard with that one, why don’t ya?! NO MORE AT ALL NOTHING NADA?? Yeah.
BUT, they are having a huge sale because of it. So I don’t know about you, but that basically takes away the pain for me. I actually took advantage of this sale and got this super cute bikini AND a cover-up all for $42. Bargain hunter in the hizzouse! Get it while it’s hot, ladies!
The Bachelorette
I used to hate The Bachelor/Bachelorette. I truly did. I thought it was so stupid, so staged, so scripted, so dramatic. And now? I’m glued to every season. Yes, I still think it’s overly dramatic, buttttt whatever, right? *hair flip*
After watching last season, and seeing JoJo (#teamjojo) get her heart broken, you know I had to watch this season to see what lucky lad stole her heart. Here’s my pick for this season: Jordan will win. Mark my words!! (As the season goes on, I may or may not come back to this post and edit my pick. Just kidding. Not.)
Chewbacca Mom
Have you guys seen that viral video of that woman laughing her ass off in her car about a chewbacca mask she bought at Kohl’s? If you haven’t, please stop whatever you’re doing and watch it. And after you watch that, watch this – a video of her, James Corden, and J.J. Abrams, all with said chewbacca mask on, laughing their asses off. The internet is awesome.
[Tweet “Orange Apricot Almond Quinoa Salad and random ramblings…”]
Podcasts
My favorite thing to do when I’m feeling uninspired, unmotivated, or simply while I work on something that doesn’t require writing (it’s hard for me to write to anything saying words. I’m weird, I know), is listen to podcasts. I’ve been doing this for a while now, so I thought I’d share a few of my favorites!
Blissful Bites
The #AskGaryVee Show (also great audiobook)
Online Marketing Made Easy
Food Blogger Pro
StartUp Podcast
Wasn’t that fun? Now let’s get back into the food.
[Tweet “The perfect Memorial Day side dish: Orange Apricot Almond Quinoa Salad”]
This is actually one of my favorite recipes I’ve ever made. This salad was so flavorful, and the different combinations of textures was outstanding! Plus, it’s colorful – perfect next to some grilled chicken on Memorial Day!
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup peas (I used frozen)
- 1 cup chopped purple cabbage
- 1 orange, each slice cut into fourths
- 1 apricot, diced
- 1/2 cup roasted almonds, chopped
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- [b]Dressing:[/b]
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- Cook the quinoa in a rice cooker or sauce pan with 1 3/4 cup water.
- When quinoa is cooked, spoon into a large salad bowl.
- Add peas, cabbage, almonds, scallions, and cilantro. Mix together until well-combined.
- To make the dressing, add the olive oil, sugar, vinegar, and salt to a liquid measuring cup. Whisk together with a fork.
- When ready to serve, add orange and apricot to the salad and mix together.
- Drizzle with dressing, mix, and enjoy!
Join the conversation:
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Omg I had no idea about Victoria’s Secret! Thanks for sharing 😉 This salad looks so bright and fresh, I love apricots!! I’m loving re-watching The Office lately. Honestly, I don’t think I could ever be tired of that show hahah
You’re welcome girlfriend!! HAHA The Office is the BEST. That’s Georgie’s favorite show. Michael Scott quotes often make their way into our conversations ;D
I love these posts
And this salad screams summer to me. Love all the colors!
I was so mad when I first heard about VS bathing suits, but then I realized that it meant a huge sale so I was content. Ah I don’t watch the Bachelorette but I know Aaron Rodger’s brother is on it.
I couldn’t believe his brother is on it, I didn’t know he existed lol! And yeah, will be sticking to Target swimsuits 😀
That was SO fun. And yes, I am being serious. I’ve missed my blogging conversations going back and forth between computers all the time. And typically my mornings are the time when I check things out, so I feel as though I’ve been lacking. (hence why you may be getting a bombardment of comments from me lately 😉 )
BUT WHAT THE SH(T. I did NOT know about VS getting rid of swimwear. I mean honestly, no tops fit me anyways so it probably won’t affect me much. But I would definitely swoon over all the pretty bathing suits I could never buy, ha. But definitely checking out the website now!
And jeez Louise this salad looks amazing. Love the bright photos so much!
^sorrynotsorry for the novel <3
I’m in the same boat. I’ve been so damn busy I haven’t had time to do my leisurely blog-surfing
it happens!! Yeah I can’t believe it, I never thought this day would come! Guess I’ll just stick to Target swimsuits ;D
WTFFFFF. i Didn’t know that VS was getting rid of their swimwear. OMG!
Well i freak out, but at the same time, i happened to be way to cheap to buy their stuff for the most part. But their sales were pretty awesome they had them.
This quinoa salad looks really good! I love the idea of adding apricots, the perfect addition of fruit for summer
No I’m the same way. The only time I ever got one of their swimsuits was if it was on clearance haha and I never settled for less than a great deal. Thanks Bev!! <3
That was fun and uhhhh I wish I would have known about that VS sale BEFORE I bought 2 new bathing suites 2 weeks ago. WOOF. Love me some apricots ya knowwwwww.
Hahaha oh noo. I say you still take advantage of it!! It’s a great deal!
Wait – does VS restructuring also mean eliminating activewear? I’m assuming yes and also crying inside because I adore VSX/VS Sport. And I love the non-foodie stuff, as well. It’s always fun to bond over things besides nut butter and salads… almost like normal people. 😉 That said, this salad is beautiful and I’m grateful for people/bloggers to bond with over salads. I haven’t had fresh apricots in ages, so that needs to change!
Yes they are getting rid of SO much! So crazy. And yes totally – gotta have those people in your life who understand why you’re taking 20 pictures of your latte ;D
I love purple cabbage in salads because it makes them look so bright and colourful – and this looks especially delicious!
Chewbacca mom had me in stitches – and Jesse too! But I bet she is TOTALLY raking in the money. Whilst you’re watching the video links pop up to buy that mask and I wish I knew how many clicks she’s getting on that as I bet it’s insane, haha!
Me too!! And it adds such a satisfying CRUNCH! Oh my gosh you’re totally right. Good for her!! 😀
You had me at apricots! Any salad with apricots has my name all over it
I am loving apricots right now! Truthfully, I normally eat them dried (weird I know) but I’m obsessed with fresh apricots now!
WHAT! Victoria’s Secret is the only place I buy swim wear
No wonder those sales were so good…I got 2 new suits for only $60!
I had not seen the chewbacca mum video…totally made my day. She’s just loving life isn’t she 😛 I love how bright and pretty this salad is!