Description
A vibrant and healthy Southwestern Quinoa Fiesta Salad featuring fluffy quinoa, black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lime-cumin dressing. Perfect as a meal prep option or light side dish, this salad is packed with protein and fiber and can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Place it in a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Prepare Salad Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped fresh cilantro. Gently toss to mix evenly.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Finish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle crumbled cotija or feta cheese over the top. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy as a nutritious side or a light main dish.
Notes
- This salad is ideal for meal prep and maintains freshness in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- To increase protein content, add grilled chicken or shrimp as desired.
- Adjust lime juice and seasoning to taste prior to serving for optimal flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
