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+ servings
Southwestern quinoa salad served in a bowl.
Course Main Course, Salad

Mexican Quinoa Salad

By: Elysia
Servings 8 servings
This Mexican quinoa salad with southwestern dressing is bursting with flavour and makes the perfect healthy main dish or side! It comes together in less than 30 minutes and is a great option for meatless Monday! Gluten-free, dairy-free & vegan.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1 cup black beans
  • 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 1/4 cups corn kernels
  • 1 avocado peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 large handful cilantro finely chopped

For the southwestern dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, bring the broth to a boil; add quinoa. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover, fluff with a fork and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the southwestern dressing.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, beans, tomatoes, corn kernels, avocado, red onion and cilantro. Pour dressing over top and toss well to combine. Cover and refrigerate salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavours to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Rinse the quinoa prior to cooking to reduce the bitterness.
  • I recommend cooking the quinoa in reduced sodium broth instead of water to incorporate more flavour into the quinoa while it cooks.
  • For super fast prep, cook up a batch of quinoa in advance so that all you have to do is assemble when meal time rolls around!
  • Like many quinoa salad recipes, this salad tends to taste best after it's had a chance to sit for a few hours to allow all of those delicious flavours to mingle.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 439mgPotassium: 466mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 461IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 2mg
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