Southwestern Quinoa Salad: A Pantry-Friendly Delight
Looking for a nutritious and vibrant salad that’s packed with flavor? This Southwestern Quinoa Salad is the perfect solution! Combining protein-rich quinoa with colorful vegetables and zesty spices, this dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly healthy. Each serving provides a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals while keeping calories around 350. Ideal for meal prep, this salad can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week, making it a go-to choice for busy days.
Serving Size and Preparation Time
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, dice the bell pepper, onion, and avocado. Halve the cherry tomatoes and rinse the black beans and corn.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, onion, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
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Chill and Serve: Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or as a side!
Tips and Variations
This Southwestern Quinoa Salad is wonderfully adaptable. You can easily customize it based on what you have in your pantry. For an added crunch, consider tossing in some crushed tortilla chips or pumpkin seeds. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
Another great thing about this salad is its versatility. It can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature, making it perfect for potlucks or meal prep.
Whether you’re looking to add more vegetables or adjust the spices, feel free to make this recipe your own!
Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures in this nutritious salad.
