Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make salad that’s bursting with flavor and wholesome ingredients? Look no further than this refreshing quinoa salad recipe! Packed with protein-rich quinoa, fiber-filled black beans, and an array of colorful vegetables, this salad is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of quinoa
- 2 cups of water or vegetable broth
- 1 tin of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1-2 limes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
- Avocado slices
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss until everything is well combined and evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
- Serve the quinoa salad immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, garnish with optional toppings such as avocado slices, crumbled feta cheese, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
