Making Fiesta Mango Quinoa Salad is a breeze, and following these steps will ensure you get it just right:

1. Rinse the Quinoa: Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, which can give it a bitter taste.
2. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Let it Cool: Once cooked, remove the quinoa from the heat and let it cool down for about 10 minutes. Spread it on a baking sheet to cool faster.
4. Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa cools, chop the mango, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper to create a zesty dressing.
6. Combine Quinoa and Vegetables: Once the quinoa has cooled, fluff it with a fork. Add it to the mixing bowl with the diced vegetables.
7. Add Cilantro and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables. Gently toss everything together until well mixed.
8. Taste and Adjust: Taste your salad and adjust the flavors by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
9. Chill (Optional): If time allows, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.