Southwest Quinoa Salad
Southwest Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together protein-rich quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for summertime gatherings, meal prepping, or as a healthy lunch option. With its delightful crunch and vibrant colors, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience you’ll want to savor time and again.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup tri-color quinoa
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Combine with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
- While the quinoa cools, prepare the veggies: dice the bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the red onion and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, pepper, and optional spices like cumin or chili powder.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa with black beans, chopped veggies, and cilantro. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until well coated.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg