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Southwest Quinoa Salad

Southwest Quinoa Salad

Published: November 5, 2019 Last Updated: June 22, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links.  For more information, read my disclosure policy here.   

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Quinoa salad recipes are the new superfood on the block that has everyone buzzing. This Southwest Quinoa salad will have your tastebuds singing and if the saying “you eat with your eyes” is true, then this salad is a veritable feast for the eyes!

Closeup bowl of southwest quinoa salad

This quinoa salad recipes is a great side dish or main meal that can be served hot or cold so it is ready when ever you are to enjoy.

Why are quinoa salad recipes so good?

The reason my family loves this dish so much is due to all the amazing flavors. This easy quinoa salad is packed with fresh vegetables and an amazing quinoa salad dressing that really delivers on flavors.

How to Make Southwest Quinoa Salad – Step by Step

  • Step One: First, cook quinoa per package instructions, then let cool. Next, open up a can of black beans, drain and rinse them. (Photo 1 below)
  • Step Two: Next, while the quinoa is cooking, wash, and prepare all your vegetables. (Photo 2 below)
  • Step Three:  Then in a large bowl, mix all the fresh vegetables and herbs together (Photo 3 below)

1st 3 steps in quinoa salad

  •  Step One: Next, add cooled quinoa and black beans to the large bowl of vegetables and then toss to combine.(Photo 1 below)
  • Step Two: Then, assemble all the ingredients you need for the dressing. (Photo 2 below)
  • Step Three: Finally, whisk all the ingredients together and pour over your salad and serve either at room temperature or refrigerate for future use.   (Photo 3 below)

final 3 steps to prepare quinoa salad

What is Quinoa Good for and Why  Should I be Eating

Quinoa is a actually a plant with edible seeds. It is referred to as the “mother of all grains” and has been a staple in the South American diet for centuries. It has just been recently discovered by us as a delicious superfood.

There are three types of quinoa: red, white, and black. Also, quinoa, unlike rice, contains more vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants than any other grain and it is filled with health benefits as it is contains antioxidants, vitamins and protein.

Moreover, it can be used as a replacement almost anywhere you use rice, pasta or potatoes.

Southwest Quinoa Salad in a bowl with limes.

Recommendations for Making Southwest Quinoa Salad

Importantly, you must do when working with quinoa.  You have to rinse the grains of quinoa in water unless you have purchased pre-rinsed quinoa in a box.

To rinse, place the measured grain in a strainer under running water for a few minutes. This is necessary to remove the excess saponins on the outside of the grains which impart a bitter flavor to quinoa if not removed.

Check out my easy way to make quinoa in a rice cooker!

Picture of quinoa salad in a bowl and on a serving dish with fork

Expert Tips for Making the Best Southwest Quinoa Salad

This is an easy vegetarian quinoa salad dish but you can do many interesting things to change up the recipe.

  • Add Meat: Try adding diced cooked chicken or salmon to make a heartier meal.
  • This Recipe Can be Doubled: This is a great recipe for a crowd. Simply increase the ingredients proportionately and bring to your next get together.
  • Change up the Vegetables: Feel free to add any vegetables that you have on hand or are fresh to make this meal your own.

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⭐ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below! ⭐

Closeup bowl of southwest quinoa salad

Southwest Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is the new superfood on the block that has everyone buzzing. My Southwest Quinoa salad will have your tastebuds singing and if the saying "you eat with your eyes" is true, then this salad is a veritiable feast for the eyes!
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time20 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: healthy recipe, make ahead recipe, quinoa, Salad
Servings: 6
Calories: 342kcal
Author: Gina Lincicum
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.5 from 12 votes

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 1/2 cups quinoa - prepared according to package directions
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Cook quinoa per package instructions, then let cool. While quinoa cooks, prepare other ingredients.
  • In large bowl, combine vegetables and cooled quinoa.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Pour dressing into salad and stir to distribute.
  • Serve warm or let chill before serving.

Notes

This is an easy vegetarian quinoa salad dish but you can do many interesting things to change up the recipe.
  • Add Meat: Try adding diced cooked chicken or salmon to make a heartier meal.
  • This Recipe Can be Doubled: This is a great recipe for a crowd. Simply increase the ingredients proportionately and bring to your next get together.
  • Change up the Vegetables: Feel free to add any vegetables that you have on hand or are fresh to make this meal your own.

Nutrition

Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 627mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1008IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 4mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Show me on Instagram! Mention @itsakeeperblog or tag #itisakeeper! I'd love to see what you're up to in the kitchen!
Helpful Tips for All Recipes on It Is a Keeper
  • Want to scale a recipe up or down? Simply type in a new serving amount and the recipe will automatically adjust! 
  • When a recipe call for House Seasoning Blend, you can use this recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.  
  • I always use unsalted butter in my recipes.
  • I always use a meat thermometor to test for doneness when cooking meat.  This one is my favorite.  
  • When a recipe is made in the oven, it should be pre-heated to the temperature in the recipe, unless otherwise noted.
  • The nutritional information provided in this recipe is an estimate.  Learn more on how I calculate nutritional information for my recipes.

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Comments

  1. Shannon says

    August 12, 2020 at 9:09 pm

    I was very pleasantly surprised by how great this recipe is! Do you know how long it keeps in the fridge? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Christina Hitchcock says

      September 7, 2020 at 12:27 pm

      I believe it would last for at least 3-4 days.

      Reply
  2. Melody Dyrud says

    July 6, 2017 at 12:18 pm

    It is missing the amount of the main ingredient. I buy my quinoa in #5 bags. I am thinking #1 for this recipe?

    Reply
    • Christina Hitchcock says

      August 3, 2017 at 12:07 pm

      1.5 cups of prepared quinoa

      Reply

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