Go Back

Southwest Quinoa Salad (Healthy, Protein-Packed & Meal-Prep Friendly)

A vibrant quinoa salad loaded with black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 1 cup dry quinoa rinsed
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 can black beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Lime Dressing
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
  2. Bring quinoa and water to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
  3. Let sit 5 minutes, then fluff and cool.
  4. Combine quinoa with beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, avocado, and cilantro.
  5. Whisk dressing ingredients together.
  6. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
  7. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add avocado just before serving for best freshness if meal prepping.