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!
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)
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- 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)
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.
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!
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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Southwest Quinoa Salad
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.
Expert Tips
- 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.
This is a perfect salad.
Can this salad be frozen for later?
That is a great question. You can but it will change the consistency of the vegetables, if you do not mind that the yes. A good alternative is to cook and freeze your quinoa and then thaw and prepare the salad when you are ready. Enjoy!
I was very pleasantly surprised by how great this recipe is! Do you know how long it keeps in the fridge? Thank you!
I believe it would last for at least 3-4 days.
It is missing the amount of the main ingredient. I buy my quinoa in #5 bags. I am thinking #1 for this recipe?
1.5 cups of prepared quinoa