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Southwest Quinoa Salad

Southwest Quinoa Salad

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Experience the vibrant flavors of Southwest Quinoa Salad, a delightful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This salad combines protein-rich quinoa, hearty black beans, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. It’s not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, making it ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Whether served as a main dish or side, this gluten-free and oil-free option is sure to impress guests at potlucks or family gatherings. Enjoy this refreshing salad that’s packed with essential nutrients and flavors!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cup water
  • 15 ounces black beans
  • 10 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes (cut in half)
  • 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
  • 1 red bell pepper (small dice)
  • 1/4 red onion (small dice)
  • 1 jalapeno (small dice)
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro leaves (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 23 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 teaspoon agave (or maple syrup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water and let it drain. Then add it to a pot with garlic powder, cumin, salt, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes. Afterward, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a small jar or container, combine avocado oil, lime juice, agave, and salt. Seal the jar tightly and shake well until all ingredients are mixed and emulsified. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, add the cooled quinoa along with black beans, halved tomatoes, thawed corn, diced bell pepper, diced onion, diced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture.
  4. Mix everything together until well combined. You can serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes to enhance flavor integration. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

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