This make-ahead Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is vegetarian and gloriously gluten-free, making it perfect for meal prep, parties, potlucks, and weekday lunches galore!
First rinse and drain your quinoa using a mesh strainer or sieve. Bring a small pot to medium heat and lightly toast the quinoa to remove any excess water, stirring often. This step is optional but really adds to the nuttiness and fluff factor of the quinoa! Next add your water, set burner to high, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered with the lid slightly ajar, for 12-13 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed.
While the quinoa cooks, use this time to prep remaining ingredients and steam your corn and edmame if needed.
Finely chop red onion and rinse with cold water in a sieve/strainer to take away some of the "bite". Finely chop jalapeno (minus seeds - or use bell pepper if preferred) and dice or slice tomatoes.
For the dressing, add all the ingredients to a lidded mason jar and shake well.
Once your quinoa is ready, fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper, to taste. For a chilled salad, chill your quinoa in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before tossing with veggies.
Add black beans, edamame, corn, chopped tomato, jalapeno (or bell pepper) and chopped red onion. Whisk/shake dressing once more then pour over salad. Mix well.
Garnish with extra cilantro and any additoinal salt and pepper desired. Dig in right away or chill before serving. I love it both ways! If meal prepping, pop it in the fridge and dive in when your'e ready. The dressing will soak into the salad and amplify the flavor even more.
Notes
Feel free to add any extra beans or veggies your heart desires! If you add a bunch, simply make a little more dressing and have at it! This salad is crazy flavorful and versatile. Other optional extras include fresh parsley and feta.Recipe yields approx. 7 cups of quinoa salad. Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed based on extras/swaps and enjoy!