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mexican quinoa salad

Mexican Quinoa Salad: A Flavorful How-To Guide

This Mexican Quinoa Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and nutrient-packed dish that combines fluffy quinoa with crunchy vegetables, black beans, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a light meal, side dish, or meal prep option, this salad is both gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

 

Instructions

  • Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it cool.
  • Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and corn. Toss well.
  • Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
  • Garnish & serve: Gently fold in diced avocado and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • For extra spice: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Make it a complete meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Dolan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: No-cook (except for quinoa)
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: (Per Serving)
  • Calories: ~320 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Mexican quinoa salad, quinoa salad, healthy quinoa recipes, black bean quinoa salad, gluten-free salad, vegan quinoa salad, meal prep salad, protein-packed salad