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Southwest Quinoa Salad: A Flavorful, Nutritious Delight

Southwest Quinoa Salad
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A colorful, nutrient-dense quinoa salad with black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty lime-cumin dressing. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or as a hearty side dish!

  • Author: ranime
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad/Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook (except quinoa)
  • Cuisine: Southwest/Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale
  • Salad Base:
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa (or 3 cups cooked)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed/drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen/thawed, or roasted)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional Add-ins:
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded/minced
  • 1/4 cup cotija or feta cheese
  • Tortilla strips for crunch

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa: Rinse quinoa thoroughly. Cook with 2 cups water according to package instructions. Fluff and cool.
  2. Make dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice/zest, cumin, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Combine: In a large bowl, mix cooled quinoa, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and red onion. Gently fold in avocado and cilantro.
  4. Dress: Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
  5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve with optional toppings and extra lime wedges.

Notes

  • Meal prep tip: Store dressing separately; add avocado before serving
  • Gluten-free: Ensure all ingredients are GF-certified
  • Vegan option: Omit cheese or use nutritional yeast
  • Protein boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp
  • Storage: Keeps refrigerated 3-4 days (avocado may brown)

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfood.org/southwest-quinoa-salad-quinoa-salad-recipe/