Southwest Quinoa Salad

Southwest Quinoa Salad

from kristineskitchenblog.com
30 min

This healthy Southwest Quinoa Salad has black beans, corn and a zesty lime vinaigrette. This cold quinoa salad is an easy and delicious side dish! It's also perfect for meal prep lunches.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup quinoa (well rinsed and drained)
  • 1 3/4 cups low sodium vegetable broth (or water)
  • 1 cup canned corn (drained)
  • 15 ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 4 green onions (sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • guacamole or avocado (if desired)

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat the 2 teaspoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, stirring, about 1 minute. Add the quinoa and vegetable broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the liquid has been absorbed, about 12-16 minutes. Remove from the heat.

  2. 2

    While the quinoa cooks, prepare the lime vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, combine the dressing ingredients. Whisk (or shake in a jar with a lid) until well combined.

  3. 3

    Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl and stir in the corn, black beans, bell pepper, green onions and cilantro. Add the dressing and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.

  4. 4

    Serve salad warm or cold, with guacamole or sliced avocado if desired.