Southwest Quinoa Salad with Chili Lime Dressing
This healthy and delicious Southwest Quinoa Salad is loaded with beans and veggies and dressed in an easy homemade Chili Lime Dressing. So good!
Servings 4 servings
Calories 289kcal
Ingredients
- ¾ cups dry quinoa
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper or sweet mini peppers (any color)
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 jalapeño
- ¼-½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
HOMEMADE CHILI LIME DRESSING
- 3 TBSP avocado oil
- 1 TBSP white wine vinegar
- ½ lime (juiced)
- ¼ tsp fresh minced garlic (approx. 1 small clove)
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- First rinse and drain your quinoa using a mesh strainer or sieve.
- Bring a medium saucepan to medium heat and lightly toast the quinoa to remove any excess water. Stir as it toasts for a minute or two. This step is optional but really adds to the nuttiness and fluff factor of the quinoa!
- Next add water, set burner at 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, chop and prep your veggies and cilantro. Drain and rinse beans if using canned. Whisk together your dressing ingredients in a small bowl or shake together in a lidded mason jar.
- Snag your now-fluffy quinoa from the pot and give it a little fluff with a fork. Pop in the fridge or freezer for a little bit to cool quinoa off a little. Skip if you prefer a warm salad.
- Add dressing to quinoa and mix well.
- Toss together with beans, vegetables, and cilantro. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste, as desired.
- Feel free to add any additional seasoning, veggies, lime juice, or cilantro to taste. You can also add extra vegetables like diced tomatoes, avocado, and/or corn. If you're adding a bunch of extras, additional dressing can be made as needed.
Notes
Adjust dressing acidity to taste by adding more lime juice to the mix or mellow it down a bit by swapping some of the vinegar for additional lime juice. You can kind of mix and match and play around here to find your perfect combo.
Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 85mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1359IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg
