BEST Southwest Quinoa Salad
A vibrant and nutritious salad combining fluffy quinoa, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful lime-cumin dressing, perfect for meal prep or a light meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed The star of this salad, quinoa is a complete protein.
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained Provides fiber and heartiness.
- 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen Adds pops of sweetness.
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced Add any color for crisp texture.
- ¼ medium red onion, diced Provides a slight sharp bite.
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped Brightens the salad.
Seasonings
- ¼ cup lime juice, fresh Brings acidity and brightness.
- 1 teaspoon cumin Adds depth and earthy flavor.
- salt and pepper, to taste Essential for enhancing flavors.
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 medium avocado, diced Adds richness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved For a burst of flavor.
- 1 medium jalapeño, diced Adds a spicy kick.
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled Adds creaminess.
- 1 cup tortilla strips For extra crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness.
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions, typically combining with 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until fluffy. Let it cool.
- While quinoa is cooking, dice 1 bell pepper, ¼ of a red onion, and chop ½ cup of cilantro.
- If using canned black beans, rinse and drain until the liquid runs clear. Measure out 1 cup of corn.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing: ¼ cup of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Optional: add olive oil for creaminess.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss well to combine.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Fold in avocado or cheese gently to avoid mashing.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Always rinse quinoa before cooking to avoid bitterness. Store dressing separately if prepping in advance. Add delicate ingredients just before serving.