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.
- 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
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