An absolutely delicious quinoa salad recipe that is light, fresh, and zesty. This colorful dish features a perfect blend of quinoa salad ingredients, including cooked quinoa, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing. We just love quinoa! Gluten-free eaters will appreciate this dish, as will vegetarians, Mexican food lovers, and dieters. Everybody will love it! The quinoa salad ingredients combine beautifully to create a forever popular salad. Great as an appetizer, main meal, or side dish, it tastes even better the next day! (Good luck having leftovers, though.)
Zesty Mexican Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Fresh Cilantro, Finely Chopped – 1/4 cup
- Fresh Lime Juice - 1/3 cup
- Salt – ¾ teaspoon
- Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon
- Olive Oil – ½ cup
- Lemon Zest – ½ teaspoon
- Minced Fresh Garlic – 1 teaspoon
- Cumin – 1 ½ teaspoon
Salad Ingredients
- Uncooked Quinoa – 1 cup
- Chopped Tomatoes – 1 cup
- Small Red Onion, Finely Chopped – 1 whole
- Finely Chopped Green Bell Pepper – ½ cup
- Cooked Black Beans – 2 cups
- Sweet Corn Kernels – 2 cups
- Green Onions (Scallions), chopped – ½ cup
- Avocado, Chopped in Chunks (before serving, optional) – 2 whole
- Fresh Chili Pepper Chopped – 1 whole (optional)
Steps
- Step 1
Cook the Quinoa:
Cook the Quinoa according to package directions and allow to cool completely.
- Step 2
Make Your Dressing:
Simply Mix all ingredients of the dressing in small mixing bowl or shake in a closed jar until well blended. Set aside.
- Step 3
Make the Salad:
Mix all salad ingredients (except the avocados) together in a large mixing bowl with a spoon.
- Step 4
Add the dressing to the salad and mix it well into the salad.
- Step 5
Adjust salt and pepper according to taste
- Step 6
Cover salad and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Step 7
Just before serving, add the avocados to the salad and serve. ENJOY!
Tip
Cook Quinoa and prepare dressing ahead of time and you cut prep time by at least half time.
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About the Author: Riwa Saied
