Southwest Quinoa Salad
This southwest quinoa salad is a fresh, flavorful and protein packed salad for summer with beans, corn, tomatoes and bell pepper tossed with cilantro and chili lime dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa , rinsed
- 1 can black beans , drained and rinsed
- 1 can whole kernel corn , drained and rinsed
- 1 orange bell pepper , chopped
- ½ pint grape tomatoes , sliced
- 3 green onions
- Handful fresh cilantro , chopped
Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 large limes
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2-1 teaspoon ground black pepper , more to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder , more to taste
- 2-3 teaspoons chili powder , more to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons cumin , more to taste
- 1 jalapeno , seeded and diced
Instructions
- Make quinoa. Cook 1 cup quinoa as directed on package. I like to cook it in chicken broth. Once the quinoa is completely cooked, set it aside to cool.
- Assemble salad. Drain and rinse the canned black beans and corn. Pat dry with paper towels and place into a large bowl. Then add in 1 chopped bell pepper, 1/2 pint sliced grape tomatoes, 3 green onions and cilantro.
- Make dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2-3 teaspoons chili powder, 1-2 teaspoon cumin and 1 diced jalapeno. Add more seasonings to taste.
- Combine. Add the cooled quinoa to the vegetable mixture. Pour dressing over top the salad and toss until combined. Season to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Served chilled.
Notes
Make ahead: This salad can easily be made ahead of time. I usually make it the day before so the flavors can marinate together a little longer.
Variations: Feel free to use either red or white quinoa. Both would taste equally as delicious!
Storing: This salad will keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Just keep stored in an airtight container.
Meal prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You could even add chicken or avocado to bulk it up a little more.
Nutrition
Calories: 263kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 1264mg, Potassium: 549mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 1438IU, Vitamin C: 35mg, Calcium: 43mg, Iron: 3mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
