Get ready to transform your meal routine with the most irresistible Southwest Quinoa Salad that will transport your taste buds straight to culinary paradise! This vibrant, protein-packed dish is not just a salad – it's a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and nutritious goodness that will have you craving more with every forkful. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie, a busy professional looking for quick meals, or someone who simply loves exciting flavor combinations, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it cool completely, fluffing with a fork occasionally to prevent clumping.
- While quinoa is cooling, drain and rinse black beans. If using frozen corn, thaw at room temperature.
- Dice avocado into small, even cubes. Halve cherry tomatoes and finely dice red onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, black beans, corn, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad and add chopped cilantro.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, gently tossing all ingredients to ensure even distribution.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing and nutritious meal or side dish.
Tips
- Quinoa Perfection: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- Temperature Matters: Allow quinoa to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent the avocado from becoming mushy and maintain the salad's fresh texture.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein, or swap ingredients based on your preference or what's in your pantry.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after marinating in the refrigerator for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of cumin before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
