Craving a meal that's not just healthy, but bursting with flavor and color? Look no further than this Southwest Quinoa Salad that will transport your taste buds to a fiesta of Mexican-inspired deliciousness! Packed with protein-rich quinoa, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy lime dressing, this gluten-free wonder is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply looking for a quick, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste, this recipe is your ultimate culinary escape.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Quinoa
- Black beans, rinsed
- Corn, canned or frozen
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, diced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. If using frozen corn, measure out 1 cup and let it thaw. If using canned corn, drain and rinse 1 cup of corn.
- Dice 1 red bell pepper and 1/2 of a red onion. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and chop a handful of fresh cilantro.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans (1 can, rinsed), corn, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Southwest Quinoa Salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful dish!
Tips
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating (saponin) which can cause bitterness.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the quinoa in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before cooking.
- Use fresh lime juice for the dressing - bottled juice can't compare to the bright, fresh flavor of fresh citrus.
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after mixing to allow flavors to meld together.
- For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or black beans.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so it's perfect for meal prep!
- Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like avocado or jalapeños for extra kick.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
