Southwest Quinoa Salad

Bursting with bold flavors and vibrant colors, this Southwest Quinoa Salad is a hearty, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect as a side or main course. Made with fluffy quinoa, protein-rich black beans, sweet corn, and crisp red bell peppers, it boasts a delightful combination of textures and Southwest-inspired tastes. Fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice infuse every bite with refreshing brightness, while a dash of chili powder and cumin adds a warm, smoky kick. This gluten-free and vegetarian salad comes together in just 30 minutes and can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it an ideal option for meal prep, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners. Pair it with your favorite grilled protein or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
• 0.5 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium lime, juiced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.

Step 3

Remove the quinoa from the heat and fluff it with a fork. Let it cool to room temperature.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using).

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 6

Add the cooled quinoa to the mixing bowl with the vegetables and beans. Pour the dressing over the top.

Step 7

Toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice as needed.

Step 8

Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Garnish with additional cilantro, if desired, and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1722.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1505.6

Total Fat 60.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2505.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 204.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.3g	0%
Total Sugars 26.7g
Protein 52.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 266.1mg	0%
Iron 15.9mg	0%
Potassium 2401.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.5%

Protein: 13.3%

Carbs: 52.2%