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Southwestern Quinoa Salad

A vibrant and nutritious salad featuring quinoa, black beans, corn, and a zesty dressing, perfect for any meal or occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Healthy, Southwestern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 325 kcal

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups uncooked quinoa Rinsed before cooking
  • 1 cup black beans Drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels Drained, either canned or thawed frozen
  • 1 piece red bell pepper Diced
  • 0.5 piece jalapeno Seeded and minced
  • 2 tablespoons red onion Minced
  • 0.75 cups crumbled feta cheese
  • 0.25 cup chopped cilantro

Dressing

  • 1 piece lime Juiced
  • 0.5 piece lemon Juiced
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to eliminate its bitter coating.
  • In a large saucepan, bring three cups of salted water to a boil and add the rinsed quinoa. Cover and reduce heat to medium, cooking for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Let sit covered for an additional 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and let cool completely.
  • Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dice the red bell pepper, mince the jalapeno and red onion, rinse the black beans, and drain the corn. Chop cilantro finely.

Assembly

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, black beans, corn, diced red pepper, minced jalapeno, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  • Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to combine all flavors.

Notes

This salad can be made a day ahead. The flavors deepen overnight in the fridge. Adjust seasoning as desired; add protein if needed.
Keyword Healthy Salad, Quinoa Salad, Vegetarian